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Guide for Diplomats in Denmark
This 'Guide for Diplomats in Denmark' is intended as a guide. It offers an overview for
information of relevant rules and procedures but does not constitute an authoritative legal
statement.
Table of Contents
1. Foreign Government Missions, International Organisations and their staff in Denmark .. 5
1.1 Status of Foreign Government Missions, International Organisations and their staff ....... 5
1.2 Diplomatic agents (Vienna Convention art. 1(e)) ....................................................... 5
1.3 Members of the administrative and technical staff of the Mission (Vienna Convention
art.1(f))..................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Members of the service staff of the Mission (Vienna Convention art. 1(g)) .................... 6
1.5 Private domestic staff (Vienna Convention art. 1(h)) ................................................. 7
1.6 Locally recruited staff ............................................................................................ 7
1.7 Diplomatic Immunity ............................................................................................. 8
1.8 Inviolability .......................................................................................................... 8
1.9 Persons enjoying diplomatic immunity ..................................................................... 8
1.10 Inviolability and immunity under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations ........... 9
1.11 Duty to respect laws and regulations of the receiving State .................................... 10
2. International Organisations ................................................................................. 10
3. Identity Cards and Residence Permit Cards ............................................................ 11
4. Arrival in Denmark ............................................................................................. 14
4.1 Notifications of Arrival .......................................................................................... 14
4.2 Agrément ........................................................................................................... 14
4.3 Arrival in Denmark of a New Ambassador ............................................................... 14
4.3.1 Presentation of Copies of Credentials ............................................................... 15
4.3.2 Courtesy Calls ............................................................................................... 15
4.4 Arrival in Denmark of a Chargé d’Affaires e.p. ......................................................... 15
4.5 Defence Attachés ................................................................................................ 15
4.6 Arrival in Denmark of a New Head of International Organisation ............................... 15
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4.7 Practical Arrival Procedures for Holders of Diplomatic or Service Passports ................. 16
4.7.1 Procedure for visa holders .............................................................................. 16
4.7.2 Procedure for citizens from countries not requiring a visa to enter Denmark, including
citizens from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland ......................................................... 16
4.7.3 The registration procedure with the Protocol Department .................................... 16
4.7.4 Registration of EU/EEA-nationals and Swiss citizens working in International
Organisations, incl. EU-agencies/offices .................................................................... 17
4.7.5 Residence scheme for retired, internationally recruited staff from International
Organisations or EU institutions/agencies .................................................................. 19
5. Departure .......................................................................................................... 20
6. Honorary Consuls to Denmark ............................................................................. 21
6.1 Appointment of Honorary Consuls to Denmark ........................................................ 21
6.2 Change of jurisdiction or class .............................................................................. 22
7. Spouses/partners and children obtaining work while in Denmark .............................. 23
8. Social security ................................................................................................... 23
8.1 Social security in general ..................................................................................... 23
8.2 Work Accident Insurance ...................................................................................... 23
8.3 Holiday with pay ................................................................................................. 23
9. Labour Market Supplementary Pensions Scheme (ATP) ........................................... 24
9.1 Locally recruited staff of Diplomatic Missions .......................................................... 24
9.2 Locally recruited staff of International Organisations ................................................ 24
9.3 General information about the ATP scheme ............................................................ 24
9.4 General information about the AUB ....................................................................... 25
10. Health and Medical Care ...................................................................................... 25
10.1 Privileged Persons and the Danish Health Care System .......................................... 25
10.1.1 General rule ................................................................................................ 25
10.1.2 Privileged persons from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland ................................ 25
10.1.3 The European Health Insurance Card .............................................................. 26
10.1.4 Additional information .................................................................................. 27
10.2 Tropical diseases ............................................................................................... 28
11. Security, vandalism ............................................................................................ 28
12. Taxes, Duties and Import/Export Licences, Movables etc. ........................................ 29
12.1 Duty free imports .............................................................................................. 29
12.1.1 Resident Missions......................................................................................... 29
12.1.2 Purchase through bonded warehouses ............................................................ 29
12.1.3 Non-resident Heads of Mission ....................................................................... 29
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12.2 Reimbursement of MOMS (VAT) .......................................................................... 30
12.3 Application for MOMS reimbursement to the Protocol Department ........................... 31
12.4 VAT exempt purchases in other EU countries ........................................................ 32
12.5 VAT reimbursement to non-resident diplomats ...................................................... 32
12.6 Excise duties, exemption/reimbursement ............................................................. 33
12.6.1 Motor vehicles and fuel ................................................................................. 33
12.6.2 Reimbursement by Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT) ............................. 33
12.7 Honorary Consuls .............................................................................................. 33
12.8 Taxation on Personal Income .............................................................................. 33
12.9 Taxation of locally employed staff ........................................................................ 34
13. Movables ........................................................................................................... 34
13.1 Import and export of movables/personal belongings .............................................. 34
13.2 Cultural heritage export restrictions ..................................................................... 34
14. Restrictions on cash money when travelling out of Denmark .................................... 35
15. Motor Vehicles ................................................................................................... 35
15.1 General rules .................................................................................................... 35
15.2 Customs duties and MOMS (VAT) ........................................................................ 36
15.2.1 New motor vehicles ...................................................................................... 36
15.2.2 Used motor vehicles ..................................................................................... 36
15.3 Registration ...................................................................................................... 36
15.4 Registration fees ............................................................................................... 37
15.5 Withdrawal of a motor vehicle ............................................................................. 37
15.6 Obligatory car inspection .................................................................................... 37
15.7 Third party liability insurance .............................................................................. 38
15.8 Exemption from petrol taxes ............................................................................... 38
16. Driving .............................................................................................................. 38
16.1 Driving license .................................................................................................. 38
17. Parking ............................................................................................................. 40
17.1. Parking in Central Copenhagen and the so-called bridge districts ............................ 40
17.2 Reserved parking at Diplomatic Missions .............................................................. 41
17.3. Parking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ............................................................. 42
18. Schools ................................................................................................................. 42
18.1 Schools ............................................................................................................ 42
18.2 Schools with teaching in foreign languages and kindergartens ................................. 43
18.3 Universities....................................................................................................... 46
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18.4 Danish language courses .................................................................................... 47
19. Firearms License, Game License and Angling License .................................................. 47
19.1 Firearms license ................................................................................................ 47
19.1.1 Firearms licence for the personal protection of privileged persons ...................... 47
19.1.2 Firearms licence for staff at embassies ........................................................... 48
19.1.3 Firearms licence for hunting .......................................................................... 48
19.2 Danish temporary game licence .......................................................................... 48
19.3 Angling licence .................................................................................................. 49
20. Real property ........................................................................................................ 50
20.1 Permissions to acquire real property .................................................................... 50
20.2 Local and national regulations regarding building projects ...................................... 50
20.3 Registration duties............................................................................................. 51
20.4 Taxation of real property .................................................................................... 51
21. Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup ................................................................................... 51
21.1 Access to the Airport .......................................................................................... 51
21.2 Royal Lounge .................................................................................................... 51
21.4 CD Parking ....................................................................................................... 52
22. Elections ........................................................................................................... 53
23. Emergencies ...................................................................................................... 53
24. Travel to the Faroe Islands and Greenland ............................................................. 54
25. Rules for flying flags ........................................................................................... 55
26. Information on Danish/EU rules and regulations ..................................................... 55
27. Pets .................................................................................................................. 55
27.1 Dogs and cats ................................................................................................... 56
27.2 Other pets (Washington Convention/CITES) .......................................................... 56
28. Visits to Museums .............................................................................................. 57
29. Trains and busses .............................................................................................. 57
30. Early history objects and natural history objects..................................................... 57
31. Radio communication and radio and TV license ...................................................... 58
32. NemID .............................................................................................................. 59
33. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ........................................................... 59
34. Updates ................................................................................................... 60
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1. Foreign Government Missions, International
Organisations and their staff in Denmark
1.1 Status of Foreign Government Missions, International Organisations and their
staff
The status of Foreign Government Missions, International Organisations and their staff in
Denmark is governed by the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
(1961), the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963) and host country agreements. In
addition, some privileges may be provided on the basis of international practice, based on
reciprocity.
The Vienna Convention is based on the premise that posted staff is posted at an Embassy for a
specific purpose and thus the staff fall into one of the designated categories with varying
responsibilities and privileges and immunities.
Should a member of the posted staff change from one category of staff to another during
his/her posting, this change must therefore be confirmed by the MFA of the sending State.
1.2 Diplomatic agents (Vienna Convention art. 1(e))
A diplomatic agent is the Head of a Mission or a member of the diplomatic staff of the Mission.
Diplomatic agents should in principle be of the nationality of the sending State, cf. Article 8 of
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
In general, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects a diplomatic agent to be in possession of a
valid diplomatic passport, to hold a recognized diplomatic rank, to perform diplomatic functions
on a full-time basis and to be on normal rotation.
Article 1 in the Vienna Convention mentions the various categories of members of the staff of
the Diplomatic Missions. The holders of the following ranks are considered to be members of
the diplomatic staff as defined in Article 1(d) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations: Ambassador (Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary), Apostolic Nuncio, Minister
Plenipotentiary, Chargé d’Affaires en pied, Minister, Minister Counsellor, Counsellor, First
Counsellor, Second Counsellor, Commercial Counsellor, First Secretary, Second Secretary,
Third Secretary and Attaché. In addition, Defence Attaché (or Military, Naval or Air Attaché).
A member of the staff of the Mission, who does not hold one of the diplomatic ranks listed
above, will as a general rule be classified as a member of the administrative and technical staff
of the Mission or the service staff.
1.3 Members of the administrative and technical staff of the Mission (Vienna
Convention art.1(f))
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects members of the administrative and technical staff of the
Mission to perform their duties at the Mission on a full-time basis and to be in possession of an
official (service) passport issued by the sending State. If the passport does not indicate the
title/function of the staff member, a note/letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
sending State must indicate the function and confirm the function as being within the scope of
the technical and administrative staff, and being a permanent function. Staff members who are
part-time drivers cannot be registered with the Protocol Department as members of the
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administrative and technical staff of the Mission even if they perform administrative and
technical tasks.
1.4 Members of the service staff of the Mission (Vienna Convention art. 1(g))
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations defines members of the service staff as those
who are in the domestic service of the Mission. These persons are part of the staff categories
(members of the Mission) who are posted abroad by their country’s Foreign Service, and
therefore obtain their permit to stay from the Protocol Department.
Members of the service staff recruited abroad may be approved by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs if they satisfy the following conditions:
that the member of the service staff is posted for a limited period of time, and
normally no longer than five years;
that the sending State will ensure that the member of the service staff leaves Denmark
at the end of the person’s tour of duty;
that the sending State confirms that the position concerned is a full-time position;
that the sending State confirms that it will be responsible for health insurance for the
member of the service staff;
that the member of the service staff holds a diplomatic or service passport issued by
the sending State.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not grant residence as service staff to persons who have
previously been employed by another Mission or as private domestic staff for any other
individual employer, or to persons who at the time of employment are staying in Denmark on a
temporary residence permit, e.g. as a student or au pair.
Immunity in respect of acts performed in the course of their duties extends to members of the
service staff of the Mission. Family members of the service staff of the Mission do not enjoy
immunities under the Vienna Convention.
Personnel from a sending state needed for maintenance work, repair work, construction
work and the like at embassies and residences in Copenhagen must be holders of a Diplomatic
or Service Passport in order to obtain a temporary residence permit as well as work permit
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Protocol Department. Residence and work permits will be
granted for a limited period of time and a maximum of six months. Requests for temporary
residence permits and work permits must include a short description of the maintenance work,
repair work or construction work to be carried out as well as an indication of the time needed
for completing the work. Please note that for non-EU/EEA or Nordic citizens it is - with very
few exceptions - illegal to work in Denmark without a work permit. A Schengen visa does not
constitute a work permit. For more information on the rules, see: New to Denmark
(nyidanmark.dk) (https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB - search for “Visa (short term) or work
permit”)
Citizens of Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden can enter and work in Denmark without any
permits. EU citizens may enter Denmark and begin work without a permit. If the stay is
expected to last more than three months, they must apply for an EU/EEA registration
certificate before the end of the three months.
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1.5 Private domestic staff (Vienna Convention art. 1(h))
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to issue residence and work permits to
expatriate private domestic staff (in the Vienna Convention art 1(h): private servant) working
in the domestic household of a diplomat. A contract must be signed by both parties and
certified by the Diplomatic Mission/International Organisation as guarantor for expenses and
approved by the Protocol before the private domestic staff can obtain a visa to enter Denmark.
The contract (mandatory standard form to be used can be obtained from the Protocol
Department) must respect a number of minimum requirements concerning working hours,
salary, board and lodging at the employer’s residence, existence of a bank account,
insurances, holidays, sickness, return ticket etc. The maximum period for the contract may not
be longer than the diplomat’s residence permit. In any event, the contract must come to an
end when the diplomat leaves the country.
The permit to stay will be given for one year at a time only and the domestic worker must pick
up the ID-card personally at the Protocol Department every year on which occasions the
domestic worker will have an interview with a staff member of the Protocol. This new
procedure is in line with the best practices presented under OSCE auspices.
Private domestic staff do not enjoy privileges and immunities.
The above rules apply to expatriate private domestic staff who seek permit to stay and work in
diplomatic domestic households in Denmark as of 1 January 2015. Private domestic staff who
prior to this date already worked in Denmark under a permit from the Danish Agency for
Labour Market and Recruitment must still address the Danish Agency for Labour Market and
Recruitment in case of application for renewal of their permit to stay in order to work with the
same employer.
Any diplomat planning to employ an expatriate private domestic staff in his/her private
household is kindly requested to contact the Protocol Department for more detailed
information and guidance.
1.6 Locally recruited staff
The Missions and International Organisations may employ as locally recruited staff Danish
nationals or foreign nationals, who are already legal residents in Denmark, based on a
residence permit issued by the Danish Immigration Service with the right to work.
Such locally recruited staff may work in Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations as
administrators or as service staff and as domestic service staff with the diplomatic staff.
The competent national authority to be addressed concerning such residence permits etc. is:
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)
Njalsgade 72c
2300 København S
Tel.: +45 7214 2001
work@siri.dk
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The mandatory and absolute provisions of the Danish labour and social laws must be observed
whenever a Mission or diplomat recruits local staff. It is highly recommended to hire assistance
from a Danish lawyer when drawing up staff contracts and related issues. Such staff members
who are not privileged staff members and who are nationals of or already legal residents in
Denmark do not enjoy privileges and immunities.
The Danish authorities must exercise its jurisdiction over such persons in such a manner as not
to interfere unduly with the performance of the functions of the Mission, cf. Article 38 (2) of
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. In order to ensure this protection the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs must be informed about recruitment and other changes in local staff
employed as administrators with Diplomatic Missions or International Organisations
1.7 Diplomatic Immunity
The term “diplomatic immunity” covers both inviolability and immunity from jurisdiction.
Inviolability means that the Danish government may not take coercive measures such as the
arrest or remand in custody of individuals (Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
Relations), forced access to or seizure of buildings (Article 30) or seizure of goods and
property. Danish courts are not competent to try cases where the defendant enjoys immunity
under Article 31 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Only the sending State can
waive a person’s diplomatic immunity.
1.8 Inviolability
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the following premises and persons are
inviolable:
A Mission’s premises and its means of transport (Article 22).
A Mission’s archives and documents (Article 24).
A Mission’s official correspondence, the diplomatic bag and the diplomatic courier
(Article 27).
Diplomatic agents (Article 29), members of the administrative and technical staff of the
Mission and members of their families forming part of their households (Article 37,
paragraph 1, and Article 37, paragraph 2).
The private residences of diplomatic agents (Article 30) and members of the
administrative and technical staff of the Mission (Article 37, paragraph 2) as well as
their papers, correspondence and property (Article 30, paragraph 2). Property is only
inviolable when used by persons enjoying privileges and immunities.
Diplomatic agents and members of their families who pass through Denmark, provided
they are travelling to or returning from a post (Article 40).
(With regards to International Organisations and their employees, the issue of inviolability is
regulated by the individual host agreements).
1.9 Persons enjoying diplomatic immunity
According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the following persons enjoy
diplomatic immunity:
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Diplomatic agents (Article 31) and dependent family members forming part of their
households (Article 37, paragraph 1).
Members of the administrative and technical staff of the Mission and members of their
families forming part of their households (Article 37, paragraph 2).
Members of the service staff of the Mission who are not national of or permanently
resident in the receiving State when performing acts in the course of their duties
(Article 37, paragraph 3).
(In addition, certain employees of International Organisations where the individual host
agreement provides diplomatic immunity)
The privileges and immunities of family members forming part of the household are in general
considered to be derivative. The Vienna Convention does not provide a definition of the term
“family”. It is generally agreed that the receiving State may formulate a reasonable definition
in order to specify who may enjoy the privileges and immunities of this category of persons.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs defines the term “family”, for the purposes of the Vienna
Conventions, as including:
a spouse, or a cohabitant/partner (also partner of the same sex). Proof must be
provided of cohabitation prior to arrival in Denmark, and
unmarried children under 21 years of age who reside exclusively in the household of the
parent in question.
With special permission, unmarried children between the ages of 21 and 23 may continue to
enjoy privileges and immunities on the condition that they are already attending an accredited
institution of higher learning (i.e. university or similar) on a full-time basis in Denmark and
remain part of the household of the diplomat. In such cases, proof of enrolment must be
presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the request for renewal of the child’s
ID card/residence permit card.
1.10 Inviolability and immunity under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations
Consular officers, i.e. Consul General, Consul, and Vice-Consul, are of two categories: Career
consular officers and honorary consular officers. The particular status of members of a consular
post who are nationals or permanent residents of the receiving State, is governed by Article 71
of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Under the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the following are
inviolable:
The consular premises (Article 27, Article 31).
The consular post’s archives and documents (Article 33).
The consular post’s official correspondence (Article 35, paragraph 2).
The consular courier (Article 35, paragraph 5).
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Career consular officers, with certain exceptions (Article 41); honorary consuls only in
respect of official act (Article 71).
1.11 Duty to respect laws and regulations of the receiving State
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects all members of Missions and consular officers to fully
respect Danish laws and regulations during their stay in Denmark, cf. Article 41, sub-section 1,
of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which reads:
“Without prejudice to their privileges and immunities, it is the duty of all persons enjoying such
privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. They also
have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State.”
Diplomatic and consular immunity does not relieve diplomatic and consular personnel of the
duty to discharge all private financial obligations incurred during their stay in Denmark.
Embassies and organisations as well as their staff are strongly recommended to seek legal
advice in order to ensure clarity of legal obligations when employing staff, renting housing or
engaging in other bigger commitments and if encountering problems relating to the contract.
Likewise embassies and International Organisations are strongly recommended to seek
solutions outside the courts to possible conflicts, if they are not ready to engage in a civil case
before a court.
A diplomatic agent and his/her dependant family members, who are part of his/her household,
enjoy the immunities from Danish jurisdiction specified in the Vienna Convention. So does the
administrative and technical staff and their family members.
In accordance with article 31 of the Vienna Convention, immunity from Danish civil and
administrative jurisdiction will not apply in relation to any professional or commercial activity
exercised by dependant family members.
In accordance with article 41 of the Vienna Convention, it is the duty of all persons enjoying
privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. In case of
serious criminal acts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will therefore ask the sending State to
waive the immunity of a diplomat involved in such activities, cf. article 32 of the Vienna
Convention. This general rule also applies in relation to criminal activities performed by
dependant family members in relation to any professional or commercial activity.
Parking fees must be paid by privileged persons, also when the fee has not been paid, and a
parking control fee is demanded instead by parking attendants. Please note that a parking fee
is not a fine as defined in the Vienna Convention.
2. International Organisations
Copenhagen hosts a number of International Organisations. The presence of these
International Organisations is based on formal host agreements concluded with the Danish
Government. These host agreements include provisions on privileges and immunities granted
to the specific, individual organisation and members of its staff in order to strengthen the
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efficiency of the organisation. The host agreement also gives guidance on the rules and
procedures applied in areas like taxation, duties and import/export licenses.
The headquarters and offices of 11 International Organisations, most of them organisations
under the auspices of the United Nations, have in 2013 been co-located in the so-called UN
City at Marmormolen in Copenhagen. The new state-of-the art and environmentally friendly
building is intended to provide the United Nations and other organisations in Denmark with the
best possible conditions for fulfilling their mandates and inspire cooperation, innovation and
knowledge-sharing among the organisations. More information about the UN City may be
found (in Danish) on http://www.byoghavn.dk/byudvikling/bydele/nordhavnen/marmor-
front/fn+byen.aspx
International organisations with concluded headquarter/host agreements with the Danish
Government are listed in the Copenhagen Diplomatic List.
3. Identity Cards and Residence Permit Cards
The Protocol Department issues two types of cards: Residence permit cards and identity cards.
Residence permit cards are issued to all nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA area and
Switzerland. The residence permit card is proof that the holder has been granted residence in
Denmark. It also serves as an ID card proving identity of the holder and includes an
administrative CPR number (personal identification number).
Identity cards are issued to all nationals of countries belonging to the EU/EEA area and
Switzerland and serves only as an ID card proving the identity of the holder and includes an
administrative CPR number. (Nationals of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not need a
residence permit. These persons are provided with a letter confirming that they are registered
with the Protocol Department, carry a Danish administrative CPR number, and that they have
the right to stay in Denmark without a residence permit for as long as they are registered with
the Protocol Department). Nationals of the Nordic countries are provided with an ID card only.
ID cards are classified in three categories reflected by the colour of the card: RED for
diplomatic agents; GREEN for members of the administrative and technical staff; WHITE for
members of the locally employed staff, service staff or private domestic staff. This colour
system is not used for residence permit cards.
Residence permit cards as well as ID cards state the title of the holder.
Locally recruited staff, who at the time of their recruitment were already enjoying legal
residence in Denmark, may apply for white ID cards as proof of identification. When applying
for identity cards for such personnel the Mission must send a note verbale to the Protocol
Department enclosing the registration form (see Protocol Department’s homepage), two recent
photographs (passport size) and the applicant’s passport.
ID cards are not issued to family members of locally recruited staff, service staff and private
domestic staff.
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Expatriate staff members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations and their
dependant family members are registered in the Protocol Department with a so-called
administrative CPR number, which will serve as proof of identity when dealing with Danish
authorities, hospitals, doctors, shops, etc., in the same way as the CPR number given to
Danish citizens.
Non-resident diplomats, accredited to Denmark, will be registered with a so-called CDR
number (since they do not live in Denmark), which is only a diplomatic registration and does
not have the same application in relation to Danish authorities, etc., as a CPR number.
Children should be more than 12 years old in order to obtain an ID card.
See section 4.7.2 below for special rules concerning registration of dependant family members
who are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and who do not hold a diplomatic passport. See also section
4.7.4 concerning registration of EU/EEA nationals and Swiss citizens working in International
Organisations, including EU agencies/offices.
Holders of ID cards and residence permit cards are advised to carry their cards with them in
order to be able to prove their identity and their registration with the Protocol Department.
Residence permit cards and ID cards must be returned to the Protocol Department by the
Diplomatic Mission or International Organisation upon termination of duty of the staff member.
The following scheme provides a summary of various aspects of the rules and procedures
applied by the Protocol Department (and the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and
Integration) when issuing residence permit cards or ID cards.
Vienna
Conventi
on
Article:
Residence
permit given by:
Type of card
issued by the
Protocol
Department:
Status of
Holder:
ID card
colour:
Head of Mission
Family
Members
1
Non-resident
Head of Mission
1(a)
37.1
MFA
MFA
MFA
ID card
if national of
an EU/EEA country
or Switzerland.
Residence permit if
national of all other
countries.
ID card
if national of
an EU/EEA country
or Switzerland.
Diplomatic
agent
Red
Red
1
See below 4.7.2 for special rules concerning registration of dependant family members who
are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and who do not hold a diplomatic passport.
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(Voluntary but
recommended).
ID card
if national of
all other countries.
(Voluntary but
recommended).
Diplomatic Staff
Family
Members
1
1(d) and
37.1
MFA
MFA
ID card
if national of
an EU/EEA country
or Switzerland
Residence permit if
national of all other
countries.
Diplomatic
agent
Red
Adm./Technical
Staff
Family
Members
1
1(f)
and37.2
MFA
MFA
ID card
if national of
an EU/EEA country
or Switzerland.
Residence permit if
national of all other
countries.
Diplomatic
agent
Green
Service staff of
the Mission
(Service
passport or
proof from
Foreign Ministry
of status as
posted service
staff)
1(g) and
37.3
MFA ID card
Expatriate
Private Service
Staff in
domestic service
of diplomat
(National
passport)
1(h) and
37.4
MFA
Contract must be
approved as
condition for visa.
ID
card if national of
an EU/EEA country
or Switzerland.
Residence permit if
all other
nationalities
Private service
staff
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Locally
recruited,
Danish/Nordic
citizens
Not
applicable
Not applicable
ID card
Locally recruited
staff
White
L
ocally recruited
already legal
residents in
Denmark all
other
nationalities
Not
applicable
Danish Agency for
International
Recruitment and
Integration or
Danish
Immigration
Service, depending
on who issued the
present permit.
ID card
Locally recruited
staff
White
4. Arrival in Denmark
4.1 Notifications of Arrival
In accordance with Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Diplomatic
Missions must notify the Protocol Department as soon as possible of the appointment, arrival
(and final departure) of members of Diplomatic Missions and career consular posts as well as
members of their families and private domestic staff (other than persons having legal
residence in Denmark and not entitled to privileges and immunities).
International Organisations must notify the Protocol Department as soon as possible of the
appointment, arrival (and final departure) of all officials of the organisations as well as
members of their families and private domestic staff.
The Protocol Department requests Diplomatic Missions to notify the Protocol Department about
locally recruited staff starting up work or leaving the Mission, cf. paragraph 1.6.
4.2 Agrément
The request for agrément for Ambassadors and defence attachés must be submitted to the
Protocol Department with a note verbale from the sending State through the Embassy of the
sending State. A Photo (passport type) and CV incl. date of birth should be enclosed.
A non-resident Ambassador must obtain agrément in the country where he/she has official
residence before a request for agrément in Denmark will be handled. The date of agrément in
the residing state should be stated in the note verbale when requesting agrément in Denmark.
4.3 Arrival in Denmark of a New Ambassador
The new Ambassador will be met on arrival in Copenhagen by a representative of the Protocol
Department, provided that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been notified in advance of the
date and hour of the arrival, and that the arrival takes place by air, ship or train from Monday
to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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Special service will only be arranged for a Head of Mission in connection with his/her first
arrival in Copenhagen.
4.3.1 Presentation of Copies of Credentials
Shortly after the arrival in Copenhagen, the Ambassador must call on the Chief of Protocol in
order to present a copy of credentials and also, where relevant, a copy of the predecessor's
letter of recall. If the credentials are in a language other than English, French or German, they
should be accompanied by a translation in Danish or one of the languages mentioned.
4.3.2 Courtesy Calls
The first courtesy call following the presentation of copy of credentials to the Chief of Protocol
is expected to be with the Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thereafter, the ministers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be visited as well as staff of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassador may also call on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and on other resident
Ambassadors. Until the credentials have been presented, the Ambassador should refrain from
making other calls.
If special events or urgent matters make it necessary, the Ambassador Designate may pay
other visits in the company of the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy.
Guidance may always be sought from the Protocol Department.
In connection with the presentation of credentials, the Protocol Department assists
non-resident Ambassadors if requested, in making appointments for customary courtesy calls
within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4.4 Arrival in Denmark of a Chargé d’Affaires e.p.
A Chargé d’Affaires e.p. should call on the Chief of Protocol upon arrival in Copenhagen. The
Protocol Department will then arrange a meeting with first the Permanent Secretary of State
and thereafter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the presentation of the letter of
introduction.
Through the Protocol Department, the Embassy may arrange for airport and police authorities
to be informed of the arrival to Denmark of a Chargé d’Affaires e.p. No special service
reception is foreseen by the Protocol Department.
4.5 Defence Attachés
The request for agrément for a defence attaché must be submitted to the Protocol Department
with a note verbale from the sending State through the Embassy of the sending State. A CV
and a copy of the candidate’s passport are to be attached separately.
4.6 Arrival in Denmark of a New Head of International Organisation
Heads of International Organisations are invited to present themselves to the Chief of Protocol
upon arrival.
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4.7 Practical Arrival Procedures for Holders of Diplomatic or Service Passports
4.7.1 Procedure for visa holders
Heads of Mission, diplomatic staff, administrative and technical staff and service staff holding
diplomatic or service passports (and their family members) from countries whose nationals
need a visa for entry into Denmark are required to apply for visas by diplomatic note to the
local Danish Diplomatic or Consular Representation. The passport(s) of the person(s) in
question should be enclosed. This should be done well in advance of the departure for
Denmark. In addition to the passport information, the note should state in what capacity and
from which date the person will serve in Denmark.
You can find a list of countries whose citizens need a visa to enter Denmark on
https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB
You can read more about the Danish (and Schengen) visa regulations on
https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB
Upon arrival in Denmark, residence permit cards will be issued by the Protocol Department.
4.7.2 Procedure for citizens from countries not requiring a visa to enter Denmark, including
citizens from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
Registration with the Protocol Department will take place upon arrival in Denmark. ID cards
and a letter confirming their registration with the Protocol Department, including an
administrative CPR number, will be issued if the person is a national of an EU/EEA country or
Switzerland. All others will receive residence permit cards which include an administrative CPR
number.
Dependant family members who are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and who do not hold a diplomatic
passport may choose to register as EU-citizens with the Danish Agency for International
Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) provided they in their own right meet the requirements for
residence in Denmark. In case of registration in Denmark with SIRI and subsequent
registration as a resident in Denmark in the CPR, dependant family members may not be
registered with the Protocol Department, since they are not dependant family members
according to the Vienna Convention or relevant Host Agreements, and they do not enjoy any
diplomatic privileges or immunities.
4.7.3 The registration procedure with the Protocol Department
A copy of the passports (including passports for dependant family members) and registration
forms (see Protocol Department’s homepage) must be submitted to the Protocol Department
with a diplomatic note. Children must hold their own passports and must also obtain residence
permit cards/ID cards. Residence permit cards/ID cards can never be valid for longer than up
to 3 months before expiration of passport.
A residence permit card/ID card may be granted to children of privileged persons up to the age
of 21 (with exemption until 23; see chapter 1.9). Should other family members (children older
than 21/23, parents etc.) wish to stay in Denmark during their relative’s posting, they must
apply for a visa through a Danish Diplomatic or Consular Representation in their home country
or in another country where they have legal stay.
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A residence permit issued by the Protocol Department gives the spouse/partner and
accompanying children the right to take up employment in Denmark without a work permit.
Concerning consequences of privileged family members’ engagement in gainful activities see
chapter 7.
According to paragraph 18 of the Law on Civil Registration, aliens, who are registered with the
Protocol Department, may not register with the Danish authorities and may not obtain a
“resident” CPR number (a CPR number showing that a person has fixed abode in Denmark. In
Danish: bopæls-CPR-nummer). Privileged persons, including dependant family members, must
register with the Protocol Department in accordance with paragraph 47 in the Foreign Aliens
Act. There are only two exemptions from this rule. One relates to dependant family members
who are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and who do not hold a diplomatic passport. These persons may
choose to register as EU citizens with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and
Integration (SIRI). The other relates to EU/EEA nationals and Swiss citizens working in
International Organisations, incl. EU agencies/offices.
4.7.4 Registration of EU/EEA-nationals and Swiss citizens working in International
Organisations, incl. EU-agencies/offices
EU/EEA nationals and Swiss nationals who as migrant workers hold positions in International
Organisations in Denmark, incl. in EU agencies/offices, may decide between
1) registration at the Protocol Department with an administrative CPR number including
the right, upon application, to obtain the Special Health Security Certificate or
2) registration with Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)
followed by application to be registered with the municipality with a (resident) CPR
number and consequently a Health Security Certificate.
The organisation should notify the Protocol Department when an employee has chosen option
no. 2 and the registration procedure has been completed. A duly completed form 3 B
(Registration at the Protocol Department of Internationally Recruited EU/EEA/Swiss Officials to
International Organisations in Copenhagen who have already registered with the Danish
Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) and with a resident CPR number)
should be attached to the organisation’s note verbale, cf.
http://um.dk/en/about-us/the-protocol-department/standard-forms-for-diplomats/
The possibility to register with a resident CPR number includes persons of the above-
mentioned nationalities holding positions in International Organisations who for the time being
are registered at the Protocol Department with an administrative CPR number. These persons
do not need to fill out form 3 B, but should obtain a personal letter from the Protocol
Department stating their right to change their registration to a resident CPR number, cf. below.
Dependent family members
Registration of accompanying family members should, irrespective of their nationality,
generally follow the protagonist's choice. However, dependent family members who are
themselves EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will as hitherto be able to choose option 2 even if the
protagonist choses option 1. In cases where the protagonist chooses the second option, the
Protocol Department will no longer be able to grant residence permits to his/her dependent
family members, irrespective of their nationality.
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The practical procedure when choosing option 1
The procedure described above continues to apply.
The practical procedure when choosing option 2
The practical procedure will differ depending on a) whether the person is already registered
with the Protocol Department or b) whether the person is a newcomer. In order to initiate the
procedure for persons belonging to group a) the organisation should notify the Protocol
Department that the said person wishes to change his/her registration. The Protocol
Department will then issue a personal letter stating his/her right to change registration. This
letter should be shown to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration
(SIRI) and the municipality during the registration process. These persons do not need to fill
out scheme 3 B when the registration process is completed. Scheme 3 B should only be
completed by newcomers, i.e. persons belonging to group b), when the registration with the
Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) and municipality is
completed.
Apart from the above-mentioned differences the registration procedure will be the same for
both groups.
The registration procedure includes two steps: First (A) registration with the Danish Agency for
International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), then (B) registration with the municipality.
(Please note that a residence certificate from the Danish Agency for International Recruitment
and Integration (SIRI) is needed in order to get a resident CPR number).
A) Registration with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI)
The employee should apply for an EU certificate of residence in Denmark under the executive
order on EU residence. The residence certificate affirms the right to reside in Denmark and
enables the applicant to obtain a Danish resident CPR number from the municipal registry in
the municipality in which the applicant lives. The residence certificate is obtained from the
Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI).
All applicants must appear in person at one of the offices of SIRI when submitting the
application. The application form may be found on SIRI’s website www.nyidanmark.dk. The
applicant should always bring his/her original passport or another valid travel document.
In addition to the actual application form (OD1) the applicant must always submit:
A clear copy of his/her passport or other valid travel document. A colour copy is
preferred.
1 passport photograph (EEA or Swiss citizens must submit 2 photos).
When registering a dependent family member, proof of family relationship with the EU citizen
in the form of marriage certificate and/or birth certificate should be shown.
The above-mentioned personal letter issued by the Protocol Department should be shown if the
person has been registered with the Protocol Department.
It must be underlined that the application must be submitted personally to the Danish Agency
for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). Addresses and more information can be
found on:
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SIRI’s website website, cf.
www.nyidanmark.dk
B) Registration with the municipality
Having received the residence certificate, the applicant should contact the Citizen Services of
his/her municipality of residence in order to get a resident CPR number. Afterwards the
applicant will receive a Health Security Certificate.
Citizens of Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden do not need to apply for a residence certificate.
A citizen of a Nordic country has the right to reside in Denmark without a certificate.
All applicants must appear in person and bring the following documents:
Valid residence certificate
Passport/ID card with picture
Nordic CPR number if entering from a Nordic country
A proof of address (a signed and dated rental contract/letter from landlord, property
deeds, certificate of shared ownership in a housing cooperative, receipt for a paid
reservation at a hotel etc.)
Marriage certificate, if married. Legalization (Apostille) might be necessary
Children's birth certificates, if children.
The above-mentioned personal letter issued by the Protocol Department should be shown if
the person has been registered with the Protocol Department.
More information about the registration procedure may be found at the relevant municipality’s
website.
4.7.5 Residence scheme for retired, internationally recruited staff from International
Organisations or EU institutions/agencies
Internationally recruited staff of an International Organisation or an EU institution/agency who
have lived in Denmark for an extended period of time based on a residence permit under the
terms of Aliens Act section 47(1) can stay in Denmark after they have retired.
There are a number of requirements that need to be met in order to obtain a residence permit
with the scheme. Among other things, the employee needs to have retired after having
reached the pensionable age established by the organisation that he/she works for, and it is a
requirement that the employee has turned the age of 60. The pensionable age established by
an individual International Organisation may differ from the pensionable age in Denmark. Once
the employee retires, he/she may only perform work that is unpaid and voluntary.
Furthermore, the employee must have held residence in Denmark for the past 12 years before
retirement on the grounds of his/her employment with an International Organisation including
an EU institution/agency.
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It is also a requirement that the employee has an attachment to Denmark, is not receiving
public financial benefits, has certain Danish language skills and is able to post a financial
guarantee.
Accompanying family members in the form of a spouse/partner and minor children can, if
certain requirements are met, also get a residence permit with the new scheme.
The employee can submit the application 6 months prior to reaching the pensionable age
established by the relevant organisation and must submit the application before the residence
permit issued by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the terms of Aliens Act section
47(1) expires.
More information on the rules and procedures as well as application forms can be found on the
website of the Danish Immigration Service.
The competent Danish authority to be addressed on this issue is:
The Danish Immigration Service (Udlændingestyrelsen)
Citizen Service
Ryesgade 53
2100 Copenhagen Ø
Tel.: +45 3536 6600
www.newtodenmark.dk / www.nyidanmark.dk
5. Departure
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be notified by verbal note of the departure/termination of
duty of all members of the Mission and consular officers and should, if possible, at the same
time be informed of the name of their successors. The same applies to service staff, private
domestic staff and locally recruited personnel.
Before departure, residence permit cards and ID cards must be handed in to the Protocol
Department. Upon departure Non EU citizens must have an exit stamp inserted in their
passport. Non EU citizens are instructed to bring the passport to the Protocol together with
notification stating date of departure. While the staff member or his/her representative is
waiting at the Protocol during public opening hours, an exit stamp will be inserted in the
passport allowing the staff member to leave the country in due time.
The verbal note to the Protocol Department should include the date of departure (for locally
recruited staff: the date of leaving his or her position).
The note should include the same information for all family members forming part of the
household of the member of the Mission or consular officer leaving Denmark.
The Protocol Department should be notified at least three months in advance of the expected
date of departure if a residing Ambassador wishes to be received in a farewell audience by Her
Majesty the Queen.
The notification should be given by a verbal note and should include the following information:
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the Ambassador’s expected date of departure;
dates/periods until departure where the Ambassador is NOT able to attend an audience;
if spouse/partner will attend the audience and the full name of the spouse/partner
the language the Ambassador prefers to use during the audience (French, English or
one of the Scandinavian languages).
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps should be informed if the Ambassador wishes to hold a
farewell reception. The Dean will in accordance with the tradition give a farewell speech for the
Ambassador. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not give speeches, neither at departures nor
at national day receptions.
The Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs receives all departing
Ambassadors for a farewell call. Contact for an appointment should be made directly to the
secretary of the Permanent Secretary of State.
Please note that it is not possible for Ambassadors to have farewell calls with the Ministers on
departure.
6. Honorary Consuls to Denmark
With reference to Articles 10, 11 and 12 of the Vienna Convention of 24 April 1963 on Consular
Relations you will find below an outline of the general policy concerning the appointment of
honorary consuls to Denmark (incl. the Faroe Islands and Greenland).
6.1 Appointment of Honorary Consuls to Denmark
A candidate for the position of honorary consul in Denmark should have an unblemished
record, should be in a financially sound position, and should not be in debt to public authorities
or dependent on public support of any kind. In order to avoid a conflict of interest the
candidate must not be a civil servant, a judge, or otherwise hold a position that might risk
prejudicing his/her consular work and function. Furthermore, the nominee should not hold an
office of profit or trust under the government, county or municipality or be an elected member
of a political assembly. Anyone who takes up such a position after having been appointed
honorary consul is to resign from his/her consular post.
An honorary consul is to be permanently resident in his/her consular jurisdiction, must be able
to provide suitable office space for his/her function and must be able to communicate in
speech and writing with Danish authorities and people in need of assistance.
As a general rule, a new honorary consul will not be accepted in the Capital Region if the
country in question already has an Embassy in Copenhagen.
The procedure for the appointment of an honorary consul is as follows:
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The Embassy of the sending State should propose the candidate to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs by verbal note. The verbal note must state the full name of the candidate, category of
consul, the proposed consular jurisdiction, the address of the consulate and the candidate’s
home address and email. The candidate’s full CV and a list of Danish references must be
enclosed. The Letter of Commission is not to be provided at this stage.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will communicate forms to be completed by the candidate either
by regular mail or email. The candidate’s written authorisation for the relevant authorities to
make the necessary inquiries must be given in this context.
Once the Danish authorities have established that the candidate is not unsuitable to serve as
honorary consul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ acceptance will be communicated to the
Embassy by verbal note and the Embassy will at this time be requested to forward the Letter
of Commission.
The Letter of Commission must:
be issued by the competent authority of the requesting State and duly sealed and
signed
not apply to more than one honorary consul
clearly state the honorary consul’s district of jurisdiction
It is recommended that the consular jurisdiction area takes its point of departure from the
Danish administrative units, i.e. the 5 Regions (the Northern Denmark Region, the Central
Denmark Region, the Region of Southern Denmark, the Region of Zealand and the Capital
Region) and the 98 municipalities.
An exequatur signed by the Chief of Protocol will be issued on the basis of a correct and
complete Letter of Commission.
The Letter of Commission will be forwarded directly to the appointed Consul, and the Embassy
will be notified by Note Verbale including a copy of the Letter of Commission with Exequatur.
The appointment of the Honorary Consul will at the same time be published at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs’ webpage and in Statstidende.
A Head of a consular post may not take up his or her duties until an exequatur has been
issued.
6.2 Change of jurisdiction or class
If at any time the jurisdiction or class of an already appointed Honorary Consul changes, a new
Letter of Commission with the change should be forwarded to the Protocol Department so that
a new exequatur may be granted.
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7. Spouses/partners and children obtaining work while
in Denmark
Spouses/partners and children of privileged persons do not need a work permit in order to
work in Denmark, irrespective of their nationality.
Working spouses/partners and children will be liable to pay income tax on their salary.
In accordance with article 31 of the Vienna Convention, immunity from Danish civil and
administrative jurisdiction will not apply in relation to any professional or commercial activity
exercised by dependant family members.
In accordance with article 41 of the Vienne Convention, it is the duty of all persons enjoying
privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. In case of
serious criminal acts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will therefore ask the sending State to
waive the immunity of a diplomat involved in such activities, cf. article 32 of the Vienna
Convention. This general rule also applies in relation to criminal activities performed by
dependant family members in relation to any professional or commercial activity.
The Diplomatic Mission or the International Organisation must ensure that the Protocol
Department is informed of spouses/partners or children working in Denmark.
8. Social security
8.1 Social security in general
According to Article 33 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, diplomatic agents
are exempt from social security provisions which may be in force in the receiving State.
Accordingly, diplomats and other privileged persons are not covered by the various Danish
Social Security schemes (e.g. medical care), and it is assumed that the sending State defrays
these costs or insures the employees and their families. However, this exemption does not
apply to certain private domestic staff, cf. the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,
Article 33, paragraphs 2 and 3.
In case of need for acute treatmentsee chapter on Health and Medical Care.
8.2 Work Accident Insurance
Pursuant to the Work Accident Insurance Act, all employers in Denmark, including Foreign
Missions, are liable to take out accident insurance for persons in their employment unless
exemption from this provision has been made based on EU regulations or bilateral agreements.
8.3 Holiday with pay
Employees in the public or private sectors in Denmark are entitled to annual holiday leave with
holiday allowance according to the Holidays Act. The annual holiday leave amounts to 25
working days. Extra holidays (“særlige feriedage”) have been introduced on the Danish labour
market. At present, these holidays amount to 5 days a year. Please note that a new Holiday
Act has entered into force on 1 January 2019.
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9. Labour Market Supplementary Pensions Scheme
(ATP)
9.1 Locally recruited staff of Diplomatic Missions
Locally recruited staff of Diplomatic Missions must be included in the Labour Market
Supplementary Pensions Scheme (ATP), provided these locally recruited employees are Danish
nationals (or nationals of another EEA/EU country or Switzerland) or permanent residents in
Denmark.
However, locally recruited staff members from an EEA/EU country and Switzerland being
employed by a Diplomatic Mission of their own nationality, and who have chosen not to be
covered by Danish legislation on social security prior to 1 May 2010, are covered by relevant
Social Pensions Schemes of the national legislation of these Missions. Locally recruited staff
members who have made such choice prior to 1 May 2010 can keep their decision on social
security coverage until 30 April 2020 given their employment carries on and their country of
residence is unchanged. A later date applies to Switzerland (until 31 March 2022) as well as to
Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (until 31 May 2022).
Citizens from Turkey, Pakistan, Serbia, Morocco, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia and
Herzegovina in Denmark may likewise choose to be covered by the legislation on social
security of the countries where they are citizens, respectively. They need to make this choice
within 6 months from the date of their employment. If no such choice is made, they will be
covered by Danish legislation.
9.2 Locally recruited staff of International Organisations
Locally recruited staff of International Organisations, who are nationals or permanent residents
of Denmark and taxable to Denmark, who are engaged as consultants, individual contractors
or with similar arrangements and who are considered neither “staff members” nor “officials”
with privileges and immunities of the concerned International Organisation, must be included
in the Labour Market Supplementary Pensions Scheme (ATP).
Questions relating to whether an employee at an International Organisation must be included
in the Labour Market Supplementary Pensions Scheme (ATP) may be addressed to the Protocol
Department.
9.3 General information about the ATP scheme
The ATP scheme is based on contributions paid by employers and employees. Employers pay
2/3 of the ATP contributions for their employees and 1/3 is deducted by the employer from the
salaries of their employees.
The employees must meet certain criteria regarding age. The contribution per employee
depends on the number of hours worked. Employers must report to the ATP about the total
ATP contributions per employee, and ATP accordingly collects the total payments from the
employers.
A personal pension is payable from the recipient’s public retirement pension age (at present 65
years of age) based on these contributions.
As a general rule, employers with employees covered by ATP are obliged to register at the
Danish Business Authority (Erhvervsstyrelsen, Langelinie Allé 17, København Ø; tel: +45 35 29
10 00; e-mail: [email protected]).
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Embassies included in the ATP Scheme should also pay to the Labour Market Occupational
Diseases Fund (AES) and the Danish Labour Market Fund for Posted Workers (AFU). Payments
are made through Samlet Betaling.
Specific questions concerning ATP reporting and payment may be addressed to:
ATP
Kongens Vænge 8
3400 Hillerød
Tel.: +45 70 11 12 01
Web: www.virk.dk
You may contact ATP on www.virk.dk/atp
9.4 General information about the AUB
The so-called “Arbejdsgivernes Uddannelsesbidrag” (AUB) is a system regulated in the Danish
AUB Act (Consolidation Act No. 811 of 20 June 2018) whereby employers are levied a fee, the
purpose of which is to provide work placements for trainees within the Danish vocational
educations.
The Danish authorities have established that the AUB is to be considered a tax. Thus, in
compliance with Article 23 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Diplomatic
Missions accredited to Denmark and International Organisations and other Missions resident in
Copenhagen are exempt from paying contributions to AUB.
10. Health and Medical Care
10.1 Privileged Persons and the Danish Health Care System
10.1.1 General rule
As a general rule, persons with privileged status at Foreign Missions or International
Organisations and their dependent family members in Denmark do not have access to
treatment by the public Danish health care system, except in situations of need of acute
treatment where these persons may receive the treatment at Danish public hospitals. These
persons will be charged payment for the acute treatment, except acute treatment of persons
under the age of 18 and acute pre-term or post-term birth giving. The said persons should be
covered by health insurance schemes that will cover their expenses in connection with
treatment in Denmark, see also below under 10.1.4.
10.1.2 Privileged persons from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
The above-mentioned general rule does not apply to privileged persons from EU/EEA countries
and Switzerland, and their dependent spouse/partner and/or children under the age of 18.
“Special Health Insurance Card”:
In accordance with relevant EU/EEA/Swiss arrangements, civil servants who are seconded
by their government to work at a Diplomatic Mission or in an International
Organisation in Denmark are covered by the social security system of their home country.
These persons as well as their dependent spouse/partner and children under the age of 18
may be provided with a so-called “Special Health Insurance Card” that will give them access to
the public Danish health care system on the same terms as Danish residents. Most services
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within the public health care system are provided free of charge. An S1/E106 form obtained
from their domestic (sending) state must be presented to Udbetaling Danmark when applying
for a Special Health Insurance Card. EU/EEA nationals and Swiss nationals, who are employed
by and receive their salaries from an International Organisation or an EU
agency/office, may as migrant workers apply for a Special Health Insurance Card without an
S1/E106 form.
Health Insurance Card (the “yellow” card):
As described in section 4.7.4, EU/EEA nationals and Swiss nationals, who are employed by
and receive their salaries from an International Organisation or an EU agency/office,
may choose to register with the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration
(SIRI), instead of with the Protocol Department, followed by an application to be registered as
residents with the municipality with a (resident) CPR number. In this case, they as well as their
accompanying spouse/partner and children under the age of 18 apply for the “yellow” Health
Insurance Card, that – as the “Special Health Card” - will give them access to the public
Danish health care system on the same terms as Danish residents. Most services within the
public health care system are provided free of charge.
Dependent family members, who are EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and who do not hold a diplomatic
passport, may separately choose to register with the Danish Agency for International
Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) instead of with the Protocol Department, see further
section 4.7.2. In these cases, an accompanying spouse/partner and children under the age of
18 apply for the “yellow” Health Insurance Card. When choosing this possibility these persons
are obliged to inform Udbetaling Danmark if they are dependent family members to privileged
persons from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
10.1.3 The European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card/EHIC (a blue card) gives access to medically necessary
state-provided healthcare during a temporary visit/stay in another EU/EEA country and
Switzerland.
EHIC may be issued by the domestic (sending) state to privileged persons, who are seconded
by their government to work at a Diplomatic Mission or in an International Organisation in
Denmark, and their dependent family members.
EHIC may be issued by Udbetaling Danmark to privileged persons from EU/EEA countries and
Switzerland being employed by and receiving their salaries from an International Organisation
or an EU agency/office in Denmark.
EHIC may be issued by Udbetaling Danmark to dependent family members, who are
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and who choose to register with Danish Agency for International
Recruitment and Integration (SIRI), see section 4.7.2.
Samples of the different cards:
The “yellow” Health Insurance Card:
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The Special Health Insurance Card:
The European Health Insurance Card/EHIC:
10.1.4 Additional information
Privileged persons not covered by the above-mentioned rules are encouraged to enter into an
agreement with a private insurance company in order to obtain an adequate health insurance.
It is for the privileged person himself/herself to decide which insurance company he/she would
like to use. As far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware, inter alia, Tryg (https://tryg.dk/)
offers a so-called “Embassy – Health Insurance”. Other insurance companies may also offer
health insurances.
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Additional information regarding insurances offered by insurance companies may be obtained
by contacting Insurance & Pension Denmark (IPD), which is the trade association of Danish
insurance companies and industry-wide pension funds:
Insurance & Pension Denmark (IPD) (”Forsikring og Pension”)
Philip Heymans Allé 1
DK-2900 Hellerup
Tel.: +45 4191 9191
Email: fp@forsikringogpension.dk
Webpage: www.forsikringogpension.dk
Additional information regarding privileged persons’ access to health care in Denmark may be
obtained by contacting:
Danish Patient Safety Authority, International Health Insurance
(“Styrelsen for Patientsikkerhed”)
Islands Brygge 67
DK-2300 Copenhagen S
Tel.: + 45 7228 6600
Email: stp[email protected]
Webpage: https://stps.dk/
10.2 Tropical diseases
For persons arriving from overseas countries it may be useful to know that the following ward
at the University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet) deals with tropical diseases:
Infektionsmedicinsk Klinik
Afsnit 8622
Opgang 86, 2. sal
Esther Møllersvej 6
2100 København Ø
Tel.: +45 3545 8622
Email: epiamb.rigshospitalet@regionh.dk
https://www.rigshospitalet.dk/afdelinger-og-klinikker/hjerte/infektionsmedicinsk-
klinik/kontakt/Sider/default.aspx
As an exception to the general rule, this ward can be contacted directly without first consulting
a general practitioner.
11. Security, vandalism
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (in Danish the PET) is in charge of coordinating
all security assignments, including official visits by heads of state etc., protection of Foreign
Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations in Copenhagen and their staff residing in
Denmark, including personal protection. Every Foreign Mission and International Organisation
is assigned a PET contact officer who should always be considered the first option for contact
on such issues.
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All requests concerning security assignments to be undertaken by the police should be directed
to the Danish Security and Intelligence Service which can be contacted by tel: +45 38 27 88
88 (24-hour service), by fax +45 33 43 01 88 or by mail: [email protected]
Should the premises of a Mission be damaged due to politically related vandalism, the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs will pay for the necessary repairs in accordance with the Vienna Convention
on Diplomatic Relations. All incidents of vandalism should be reported to the local police and to
the Protocol Department. Smaller events, such as a broken windowpane, may be repaired
immediately and the Mission will be reimbursed the cost against presentation of the invoice(s).
In case of more substantial damage, the Mission is kindly requested to obtain two quotations
and photos of the damages together with the request of reimbursement of the cost of the
repair work.
In cases requiring immediate action, the Mission should at once contact the local police or call
the emergency service on 112 or 114 (direct line to the nearest police station).
12. Taxes, Duties and Import/Export Licences, Movables
etc.
12.1 Duty free imports
12.1.1 Resident Missions
Diplomatic Missions resident in Denmark and their diplomatic staff may import goods for
official or personal use free of customs duties. The form 13.004 called “Customs Declaration
for Diplomats” (may be found on www.toldst.dk) must be presented at the relevant Customs
office, where the goods will be released.
Web: www.toldst.dk
Form 13.004 must be signed by the applicant and endorsed by the Head of Mission and
stamped with the Mission’s official stamp. A similar form, 13.005 called “Customs Declaration
for International Organisations” should be used by the International Organisations in Denmark.
Forms 13.004 and 13.005 may be found on http://www.toldst.dk
12.1.2 Purchase through bonded warehouses
Provisioning companies such as Peter Justesen Company A/S may supply goods exempt from
customs and excise duties, provided the buyer is a Diplomatic Mission or a diplomatic agent.
When ordering, the completed form 13.004 (or 13.005) should be sent directly to the supplier
for immediate delivery of the goods. After the delivery, the supplier passes on the declaration
to the customs authorities.
12.1.3 Non-resident Heads of Mission
Non-resident Heads of Mission, who wish to import duty-free goods for official purposes or for
personal use during their temporary visits to Denmark, must apply for customs exemption by
means of the declaration form 13.006 called “Customs Declaration for Heads of Mission and
Persons of Equivalent Status Accredited to but Resident out of Denmark” (the form may be
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found on http://www.skat.dk/SKAT.aspx?oId=56230&vId=0 ). The completed form signed by
the Head of Mission must be sent to Skattecenter København for approval before the delivery
of the goods. The period of the visit must be specified exactly on form 13.006.
Further questions about the mentioned forms can be made to Skattecenter København
(contact info above).
12.2 Reimbursement of MOMS (VAT)
According to the Vienna Convention, Article 34, a diplomatic agent shall be exempt from all
duties and taxes but not indirect taxes normally incorporated in the price of goods or services
e.g. MOMS (VAT).
MOMS, which at present in Denmark is 25 per cent, the equivalent of 20 per cent of the retail
price, is under the current legislation (the Danish Law on MOMS) reimbursed to Foreign
Diplomatic Missions and their diplomatic staff (including technical and administrative
personnel) and to the International Organisations and their diplomatic staff.
The purchases must be reasonable in quantity and meant to cover actual needs for the
Missions, the diplomatic staff and their dependent family members residing in Denmark only.
MOMS is reimbursed on purchases of goods and services which have been bought in Denmark
(but not in Greenland and the Faroe Islands), and are not mentioned in the list of non-
exemption. Reimbursement is not possible on purchases older than 36 months.
MOMS is not reimbursed on the following items:
Antiques
Auction items
Second hand articles
Gift certificates, ”gavekort” and items marked “Gavemærke”
Bridge tolls
Admission fees for entertainment (cinemas, theatres, exhibitions etc.)
Membership fees for clubs and associations
Medicine
Ammunition and fire arms
Renovation on a privately owned property is not considered as a purchase, but
as an investment, and the expense will for this reason not be reimbursed, because
it is not meant to cover actual needs for the diplomat.
Construction material as well as installation and construction expenses in
connection with renovation of privately owned property is considered as a personal
investment.
Expenses in relation to buying and selling property, such as but not limited to
lawyer’s fee.
Insurance cases, when the expense is covered by the insurance company.
Reimbursement is not possible on any purchase older than 36 months.
Please note that no Danish MOMS is included in the price of the following items (and receipts
for purchases of such items may not be submitted for reimbursement):
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Newspapers
Stamps
Passenger transport
Dentists’ and doctors’ bills etc. (except for health certificates)
Insurance policies
Admission fees for museums
School fees, private and public day care and play groups
Tips
In order to have the MOMS reimbursed, each individual purchase made by the Mission,
organisation or privileged staff member must at present
amount to a minimum of DKK 1,500.00 and the MOMS amount no less than
DKK 300.00
appear on one single bill/invoice and
be paid in one transaction
The minimum amount does not apply to supplies of electricity, town gas, natural gas, water,
heating oil, district heating, waste disposal and sewage services.
The amount of DKK 1,500.00 may be subject to annual adjustment based on the development
in the Danish consumer price index.
Claims will only be processed by the Protocol Department once they have been approved in
PRO-Moms by the head of embassy, consulate or International Organisation or by a staff
member authorized by him/her to approve claims for MOMS reimbursement.
12.3 Application for MOMS reimbursement to the Protocol Department
As of 1 July 2016 all MOMS reimbursement claims must be submitted in electronic form
through the web based IT portal ‘PRO-Moms’. Submission of claims to the Protocol Department
may be performed on a quarterly basis during the period 1
st
– 20
th
of the month following the
previous quarter (i.e. 1
st
– 20
th
January, April, July and October respectively). Purchases may
be registered in ’PRO-Moms’ and bills/invoices and proof of payment uploaded whenever
convenient for the user. However, the Embassy/Organisation ‘Approver’ can approve only
during the abovementioned periods (1
st
– 20
th
January, April, July and October). Requests for
MOMS reimbursement are processed within 90 days after the final submission date.
Reimbursements will only be transferred to a Danish bank account stated in ‘PRO-Moms’ by
the Embassy, International Organisation or privileged staff member respectively. Embassies,
organisations and privileged staff members are themselves accountable for keeping their bank
information updated and correct.
The flow and functionalities of ‘PRO-Moms’ are described in the manuals integrated in the
system. The preconditions for reimbursement of MOMS on purchases as described above (in
12.2) are:
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Each individual purchase must be paid in full and it must be clear from the bill which goods or
services have been purchased. All purchases not paid in cash must be accompanied by proof of
payment. If payment is made by credit card, the card transaction slip must be submitted as
proof of payment. If payment is made by a store account card (e.g. Magasin and Illum), the
individual invoices (of DKK 1,500.00 or more) must be uploaded together with the store
account statement (as proof of payment). In addition the MOMS amount must be clearly
specified on the bill by the vendor in order to have the MOMS reimbursed.
Claims for any purchases that are not sufficiently documented or not subject to MOMS or
MOMS reimbursement (see 12.2 above) will be returned through ‘PRO-Moms’. Returned claims
may be re-submitted during the subsequent submission period, provided that the lacking
information is attached.
The Protocol Department’s Moms-Team is available for any questions you may have to the
procedures and guidelines. The contact information for the Moms-Team is available on the
Protocol Department’s homepage: https://um.dk/en/about-us/the-protocol-
department/directory-of-the-protocol/diplomatic-section/
12.4 VAT exempt purchases in other EU countries
A Diplomatic Mission, International Organisation or diplomatic staff resident in Denmark may
buy goods and/or services in another EU country exempt from VAT and excise duty using the
exemption form “VAT AND EXCISE DUTY EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (Directive 2006/112/EEC –
Article 143 and Directive 92/12/EEC – Article 23 (1))”. The form must be delivered to the seller
at the time of purchase duly completed and certified by the Protocol Department in
Copenhagen.
The form is accessible on the Protocol Department’s homepage:
http://um.dk/en/about-us/the-protocol-department/standard-forms-for-diplomats/
When the form has been filled in and signed by the buyer, it must be provided with the
Mission’s stamp and the signature of the Head of Mission and sent to the Protocol Department
for certification, i.e. that
the buyer is a Diplomatic Mission, International Organisation or diplomatic staff
resident in Denmark, and
the goods/services are exempt from MOMS in Denmark.
12.5 VAT reimbursement to non-resident diplomats
MOMS is not reimbursed to non-resident diplomats accredited to Denmark. If they are
diplomats in another EU country, they may, however, from their country of residence make
use of the EU VAT exemption scheme described above for purchases made in Denmark.
Concerning application for duty-free import of goods to Denmark for official purposes or for
personal use during temporary visits to Denmark, please see 11.1.3.
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12.6 Excise duties, exemption/reimbursement
12.6.1 Motor vehicles and fuel
In the case of purchases of motor vehicles and motor fuel, see chapter 14 (motor vehicles).
12.6.2 Reimbursement by Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT)
Duties on electricity, gas, oil, water and district heating will be reimbursed to both the
Diplomatic Missions and their privileged staff. The reimbursement of the duty on district
heating covers the indirect duties on oil, coal and CO2 exhaust.
The reimbursement will be granted on application to Customs and Tax Administration /
Punktafgifter København, form 23.006 (may be found on
https://skat.dk/skat.aspx?oid=108356) the application must comprise the consumption of the
Mission itself and, if applicable, the privileged staff, and must cover a period of at least three
months. The consumption on the application must be documented by copies of the invoices.
No reimbursement will be paid on invoices older than 36 months.
The Customs and Tax Administration has made a manual which describes how to apply for
refund of energy taxes. Please contact The Customs and Tax Administration/Punktafgifter
København to receive the manual.
The application for reimbursement of energy taxes should be sent to raadgi[email protected]
Skattestyrelsen
Nykøbingvej 76
Bygning 45
4990 Sakskøbing
Tel.: +45 72 22 28 10
For further information, please consult the homepage of the Danish Ministry of Taxation:
www.skat.dk
12.7 Honorary Consuls
Honorary consuls may receive reimbursement of VAT paid on purchases to the extent the
purchased goods and services are fully applied in the consular service, cf. paragraph 45 (2) of
the VAT Act.
Form 31.032 should be used (the form may be found on
https://skat.dk/skat.aspx?oid=159043). The form should be sent to
Skattestyrelsen
Nykøbingvej 76
Bygning 45
4990 Sakskøbing
Tel.: +45 7222 2810
Web: www.skat.dk
12.8 Taxation on Personal Income
According to the Vienna Convention, Article 34, a diplomatic agent shall – with some
exceptions - be exempt from all dues and taxes, personal or real, national, regional or
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municipal. Members of the family of diplomatic agents forming part of the household are
equally exempt from paying taxes.
Administrative and technical staff of the Mission are together with their families exempt
from taxes to the same extent as diplomatic agents.
Members of the service staff of the Mission and private domestic staff of members of the
Mission are exempt from taxes on the emoluments they receive from their employment.
Members of their families enjoy no tax exemption.
With regards to International Organisations, tax exemptions are regulated in the particular
host agreement. Officials are normally fully liable to taxation in Denmark but exempt from
paying tax on their salaries and emoluments from the International Organisation. In the event
where officials in an International Organisation are entitled to employ a private domestic staff,
the tax status of the private domestic staff depends on the Host Agreement.
Danish nationals or persons residing in Denmark at the time of employment are fully
liable to taxation cf. section below.
12.9 Taxation of locally employed staff
Taxation on personal income in Denmark falls into two categories named “A income” and “B
income”. As regards “A income”, the employer withholds part of the salary as an account
payment of the tax (pay-as-you-earn taxation), while “B income” is other personal income.
The “B” taxpayer must declare the income and pay the tax him/herself. As Missions are not
obliged to withhold taxes, the salary of locally employed personnel is “B income”, and the
employees are themselves responsible for the declaration of income and payment of tax.
Missions are exempt from withholding labour market contribution (“arbejdsmarkedsbidrag”)
from the salaries of their employees as it is considered a taxation equivalent, whereas
contributions to the Labour Market Supplementary Pensions Scheme (ATP) must be paid, cf.
section 8.
13. Movables
13.1 Import and export of movables/personal belongings
When a person moves to Denmark, personal belongings may be imported free of customs duty
from 6 months before until 12 months after the arrival in Denmark.
There are no restrictions on the export of movables except as indicated below.
13.2 Cultural heritage export restrictions
In order to protect the cultural heritage of Denmark, the following articles (except coins and
medals) may only be exported by special permission:
Cultural objects of pre-1660 origin
Cultural objects older than 50 years and valued at DKK 162,000 or more
Photographs, regardless of age, if they have a value of DKK 30,000 or more
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An application form should be used and sent to the Danish Commission on the Export of
Cultural Assets:
Kulturværdiudvalget
Sekretariatet
Det Kgl. Bibliotek
Søren Kirkegaards Plads 1
1016 København K
Tel.: +45 91324486
Email: kulturvaerdier@kb.dk
If an export licence is denied, Kulturværdiudvalget will offer to buy the object at a price to be
fixed by evaluation.
More information may be found on http://kulturvaerdier.kb.dk/english/
14. Restrictions on cash money when travelling out of
Denmark
Please observe that diplomatic agents are subject to the same restrictions as Danish citizens
concerning the amount of cash to be carried when travelling out of Denmark. According to
Danish legislation, cash amounts of more than Euro 10,000 or DKK 75,000 must be declared to
the Danish Tax Authorities (SKAT) before being carried to any other country. More information
may be found:
http://skat.dk/skat.aspx?oid=2234822
15. Motor Vehicles
15.1 General rules
For the Embassies, there is no fixed limit to the number of vehicles Missions or privileged
persons may possess for official and private use, but the number may not exceed what might
be considered reasonable considering the size of the Mission and household. For International
Organisations and their employees, the rules on acquisition and possession of motor vehicles
are to be found in the specific host agreement.
Since the purpose of the privileges granted to privileged persons is to ensure the efficient
performance of their functions, the primary function of the vehicle must be passenger
transportation. Thus i.e. the purchase of a motorhome/camper van (without paying duties and
taxes) will not be accepted, since a motorhome/camper is not considered necessary to fulfil
the functions of privileged persons whilst residing in Denmark.
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A vehicle registered on diplomatic number plates may only be driven by members of the
privileged person’s family, forming part of the household, and by domestic staff on duty. A
diplomatic vehicle may further be used in a family member’s transportation to and from work
but not for professional or commercial use (e.g. as a delivery vehicle).
The motor vehicles must at all times be in compliance with the Danish standards applicable for
vehicles and covered by a valid compulsory third party liability insurance. A leased vehicle
cannot be registered on CD plates.
15.2 Customs duties and MOMS (VAT)
15.2.1 New motor vehicles
Diplomats and members of the technical and administrative staff of the Mission are exempt
from paying MOMS (VAT) when purchasing a new vehicle. Embassies and international
organizations are to provide proof of employment/entitlement at the time of purchase and
registration.
If a car with diplomatic registration is transferred to a non-privileged person within two years
from the date of registration, customs duties and MOMS will be imposed on the car, unless the
car is exported. After two years the car can be sold. However, if sold to a non-privileged
person, usual duties and fees must be paid by the buyer and the diplomatic license plates must
be returned, cf. below (15.5).
15.2.2 Used motor vehicles
Used motor vehicles may be imported free of customs duties and MOMS as part of the owner’s
furniture and household effects provided they are for his/her exclusive use. However, this
exemption is withdrawn if, within one year after registration of the vehicle in Denmark, it is
transferred to a non-privileged person.
Technical-Administrative Personnel (TAP) must have owned and used the vehicle for at least
one year in order to import the vehicle without paying duties and MOMS.
Correspondence and queries concerning customs and other duties on motor vehicles may be
addressed to the customs office in Copenhagen:
Skattecenter Høje-Taastrup
Helgeshøj Allé 9
2630 Taastrup
Tel.: +45 7222 1818
Fax: +45 7238 6734
Web: www.skat.dk
15.3 Registration
Application for registration and license plates must be sent to:
Motorcenter Høje-Taastrup
Helgeshøj Allé 9
2630 Taastrup
Tel.: +45 7222 1515
Web: www.skat.dk/skat.aspx?oid=1713593
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When a privileged person employed by an embassy or an International Organisation in
Denmark registers a vehicle in his/her name, the address of the organisation is to be stated in
the registration (not the home address of the privileged person).
15.4 Registration fees
Exemption from registration fees is granted for new vehicles belonging to Missions and to
privileged persons. The application for exemption from registration fees must contain a
declaration to the effect that the vehicle is for the exclusive use of the Mission or the
applicant in question.
Any vehicle exempt from registration fees shall be liable to a registration fee when the
conditions for the exemption are no longer fulfilled. The taxable value of used vehicles is to be
fixed by SKAT.
15.5 Withdrawal of a motor vehicle
Upon end of duty in Denmark license plates are to be returned to:
Skattecenter Høje-Taastrup
Helgeshøj Allé 55
2630 Taastrup 32
Tel.: +45 7222 1818
Web: www.skat.dk
Deregistration of the privileged person’s vehicle(s) is to be carried out as soon as possible and
without undue delay. It is expected that deregistration is effectuated within 30 days after end
of duty. It is an absolute condition that the mandatory third-party/liability insurance is valid
until deregistration. The Mission/Organisation must ensure that their employees deregister
their vehicles within the stipulated time limit.
If a privileged person remains in Denmark after deregistration with the Protocol, based on
another set of rules, or sells the vehicle to a non-privileged owner in Denmark, the vehicle
must be re-registered with a Danish registration office and the diplomatic license plates
returned to the registration office.
15.6 Obligatory car inspection
All cars, including cars on diplomatic license plates, must regularly undergo obligatory car
inspections. The first obligatory car inspection takes place when the vehicle is four years old
and afterwards every second year. An inspection fee is charged. Further information may be
obtained from the homepage of i.a. Applus Bilsyn or Quickbilsyn:
www.applusbilsyn.dk
www.quickbilsyn.dk
The Police isauthorized to remove the license plates from a car which has not undergone
obligatory car inspection. If the license plates are removed due to the lack of car inspection,
the vehicle must not be parked on public roads and must be removed as soon as possible and
within 48 hours; otherwise it will be removed at the owner's expense. In order to obtain new
license plates you should contact the Danish tax authorities, a vehicle inspection facility or
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another entity being authorized to hand out license plates. The price for new license plates is
approx. DKK 1,180 + possible handling fee.
15.7 Third party liability insurance
The owner of a motor vehicle to be registered on Danish license plates - including diplomatic
license plates - is required to produce a valid compulsory third party liability insurance to the
local Customs and Tax Administration (“skattecenter”) before the vehicle can be registered.
This insurance must be kept valid throughout the period of registration.
The Police is authorized to remove the license plates from a car being driven without a valid
third party liability insurance. If the license plates are removed due to lack of insurance, the
vehicle must not be parked on public roads and must be removed as soon as possible and
within 48 hours; otherwise it will be removed at the owner's expense. In order to obtain new
license plates you should contact the Danish tax authorities, a vehicle inspection facility or
another entity being authorized to hand out license plates. The price for new license plates is
approx. DKK 1,180 + possible handling fee.
All inquiries regarding license plates should be addressed to the Danish tax authorities.
15.8 Exemption from petrol taxes
Petrol and diesel fuel for motor vehicles may be bought tax free at filling stations by use of
special credit cards issued by the oil companies. The companies will send monthly
specifications to the Missions together with a tax-free invoice.
16. Driving
16.1 Driving license
A valid driving license is necessary in order to lawfully operate a vehicle in Denmark.
Privileged persons and their dependent family members, including members of the service staff
and private domestic staff, may drive a motor vehicle in Denmark provided they are in
possession of one of the following valid driving licenses:
A driving license issued in an EU/ EEA country or Switzerland.
Other non-Danish driving licenses than the above-mentioned, if the driving license is
drawn up in Latin letters or if it is supplemented with a translation into Danish, English
or French, provided the translation is drawn up by a public authority or an organisation
which is authorized to do so in the issuing country.
An international driving license issued in accordance with the International Conventions
of 24 April 1926 on Motor Traffic, 19 September 1949 on Road Traffic or 8 November
1968 on Road Traffic.
Embassy staff being posted to serve as drivers must present a valid national driving license
respecting the above with their application for a residence permit with the Protocol
Department.
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Driving licenses should be prolonged in the country where they were issued. If the national
rules of the issuing state do not allow a prolongation, the Danish Authorities may prolong the
driving license. Applications for such prolongations must be presented at the latest 6 months
before the expiration of the driving license in order to ensure that a new card be available in
time before the expiration.
As a general rule, it is not possible for persons with a residence permit/EU residence document
issued by the Protocol Department to obtain a Danish driving license. There are two
exceptions: 1) National rules prevent the person from obtaining a driving licence in the
sending State (for International Organisations: the State of citizenship) – documentation from
the competent national authority to this effect is required. 2) Evidence can be produced that
the applicant has been studying in Denmark for at least six months (high school, youth
education and university. A Danish driving licence may be obtained in English and several
driving schools offer driving lessons in English.
Inquiries relating to driving licenses may be addressed to:
The Danish Road Safety Agency (Færdselsstyrelsen)
Sorsigvej 35
6760 Ribe
Tel: +45 7221 8899
Email: i[email protected]
www.fstyr.dk
16.2 Important reminders when operating a vehicle
Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content 0.5 o/oo or more is in Denmark a serious
offence in itself and even more so if involved in an accident. Persons who enjoy inviolability are
not obliged to submit to a breathalyser, blood or urine test. However, the Protocol Department
recommends that diplomats accept such tests. Regardless of whether the person submits to a
test or not, the Police may decide that it is not in the interest of public safety to permit
him/her to continue driving. Due to the seriousness of such an offense in Danish legislation the
Protocol will be contacted in such cases.
In cases where, on the basis of the alcohol test or the police report, there is no doubt about
the condition of the driver, the Ministry will take appropriate measures.
Severe cases may result in requests to the Head of Mission to waive the immunity of the
person or to recall him/her.
Exceeding posted speed limits is also a serious offence. Danish Police is using a variety of
measures (including permanent and temporary photo control posts) to reduce the number of
violations of speed limits. A system is in place according to which penalties are fixed according
to the location and the degree of the violation.
As per 1 February 2015 a new rule in the Danish Traffic Act establishes strict liability for the
owner (or registered user) of a vehicle for violations of speed limits registered by an Automatic
Traffic Control system, when the violation constitutes a maximum of 30% of the allowed
speed, unless another person admits to being the driver of the vehicle at the time of the
violation or unless the vehicle was in the unauthorized possession of another person, e.g. in
case of theft.
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The new rule implies that in such cases, the owner (or registered user) of a vehicle will
automatically be notified and simultaneously presented with a fine notice indicating the fine to
be paid and methods of payment.
The Protocol Department will receive information on these speeding offences and stay in touch
with Diplomatic Missions on the matter.
When exceeding the posted limit by more than 30% the Police will handle the matter case by
case. The Protocol Department will be informed and will contact the relevant Head of Mission
about the matter.
The Danish penalty system is explained in detail on
https://www.sikkertrafik.dk/raad-og-viden/i-bil/klip-i-koerekortet
17. Parking
17.1. Parking in Central Copenhagen and the so-called bridge districts
Public parking is available across Copenhagen, but you have to pay to park or comply with
time restrictions in some areas of the city
Central Copenhagen is divided into tariff zones and time restricted zones. The further you get
from the city centre, the cheaper it is to park your car. Parking is free during weekends from
Saturday at 5 pm until Monday at 8 am as well as on public holidays. Outside the pay zone,
parking is free, but there may be time restrictions. You should always check the signs in the
street, as they will tell you the precise rules in force at the location where you want to park
your car. Electric cars, hydrogen cars and electric motorcycles can park for free at street level
on public parking spaces.
The parking rules in Copenhagen are described in detail on the website on parking of the City
of Copenhagen, see: https://international.kk.dk/artikel/public-parking-copenhagen Here you
can also download a Mini Parking Guide which is available in English and German.
The payment system is digitalized and operates without the use of physical parking tickets.
There are different ways to pay for parking:
Card: Use the pay stations placed on the streets. Important: You need to enter your
licence plate
Mobile payment: Download an app from one of the providers
Time interval cards: Buy a time interval card that is valid for a minimum of 5 weekdays
(minimum 1 day for business use) at https://parkering.kk.dk/#!/
Residential or commercial parking licence
Missions located in the City of Copenhagen can apply for commercial parking permits,
allowing parking of missions’ vehicles in public parking spaces in proximity to the missions’
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addresses. The fees for the commercial parking permit can be found on
https://parkering.kk.dk/#!/commercial-permit
If you live in the Park and Pay area, you can apply for a residential parking permit, which
allows you to park in public parking spaces in your neighborhood at a reduced price. The fees
for the residential parking permit can be found on https://parkering.kk.dk/#!/residential-
permit
It will be possible for posted staff with an administrative CPR number – provided that the car is
registered with a c/o address at the mission - to choose to apply for a parking permit for their
private car to be valid for parking in proximity to the mission rather than their residential
address. In special circumstances, it may be possible to obtain a parking permit for both the
mission’s and the residential address.
To apply for a commercial or a residential parking permit as a mission or a privileged person,
use the link: https://parkering.kk.dk/ or contact:
Borgerservice
Nyropsgade 7
1602 Copenhagen V
Tel.: +45 70 80 80 90
Having a parking permit does not exempt missions and staff from complying with any local
parking restrictions in places where there are special signs giving time limits or other parking
restrictions. Parking fines levied for illegal parking must be paid, also for Diplomatic vehicles,
whether issued by the municipality of Copenhagen (“Center for Parkering”), the police or
private companies, such as Europark and Cityparkering.
Remember always to use the parking disc for time-restricted parking. On parking, set the
pointer to the time of arrival. If parking before a time restriction starts and continues into the
time restriction, set the pointer to when the time restriction actually starts.
Please note that the municipality of Frederiksberg is not a part of the City of Copenhagen
and different parking rules and prices apply.
17.2 Reserved parking at Diplomatic Missions
A Diplomatic Mission can be favoured with one or two reserved parking spaces in front of
either their Chancery or Residence if conditions allow. Please write to the relevant municipality
(Copenhagen Municipality: parkeri[email protected], Gentofte Municipality:
parkering@gentofte.dk) for more information. Some Diplomatic Missions may for historical or
security reasons have been allocated more than two reserved parking spaces.
The reserved parking spaces outside a Diplomatic Mission are not reserved for the exclusive
use of the Mission’s vehicles, but for all vehicles with business at the Mission. In case of
unauthorised parking in reserved parking lots, the Diplomatic Mission should contact the
Copenhagen Parking Centre at tel: +45 70 80 80 95 and a parking attendant of the district will
seek to issue a parking fine.
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All vehicles, both vehicles belonging to the mission and vehicles with business at the mission,
must comply with the relevant parking regulations and pay the parking fees if the reserved
parking space is located within a pay zone, and they do not have a parking permit valid for the
specific area.
17.3. Parking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In the vicinity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is a limited number of parking spaces
available. These fall under the City’s Parking regulations and have a time limit of 60 minutes.
The Protocol Department has been issued with two parking permits that diplomats can borrow
on request when attending meetings in the Protocol. The card should be placed visibly in the
front screen of the vehicle and returned to the Protocol Department on departure.
Parking in front of the government conference centre Eigtveds Pakhus is generally prohibited.
However, the conference centre has been issued with a number of parking permits for the use
of guests invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The permits can be obtained from the
Reception at the conference Centre. Please note that the permits are only valid for one day,
i.e. if a meeting or conference is for more than one day, a new permit must be obtained from
the Reception every day. In case of special events the prohibition may be waived.
The area is public property, and vehicles illegally parked there are subject to penalty parking
fees.
18. Schools
18.1 Schools
In the public school system, children of diplomats are normally accorded the same conditions
(free tuition) as Danish children. Some municipalities, however, charge a certain amount for
some services, such as remedial and special needs education.
In Denmark there is ten years of compulsory education starting with one year of pre-school
class for children by the age of 5-6. The “Folkeskole” is the Danish municipal primary and
lower secondary school, which is attended by 87 per cent of all children. It offers nine-year
primary and lower secondary school and an optional tenth grade.
Primary and lower secondary education is also offered by private schools of which there are
some 400 spread throughout the country. The state covers 80-85 per cent of the expenditures
while the parents pay the remaining 15-20 per cent (fees vary between the different schools
and grades).
Children may be admitted to a general or a vocational (commercial and technical) upper
secondary education when they have completed ten years of basic education. To be admitted
to general upper secondary (gymnasium), the lower secondary school of origin or the
headmaster of the receiving upper secondary school must approve the applicant as being
qualified. Admission schemes for technical and commercial upper secondary schools may vary
from one education to another.
An overview of the Danish educational system may be found at: http://eng.uvm.dk/
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18.2 Schools with teaching in foreign languages and kindergartens
There are several major schools (and kindergartens) with international curricula and teaching
in foreign languages offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the Copenhagen area. The
largest of the international schools is Copenhagen International School/CIS. CIS has about 900
students and 145 teachers representing 24 countries (31% US, 15% UK, 14% DK).
A European School opened in August 2014 with a limited number of classes and languages.
The school is planned to develop over the years. The school will have room for 13 year groups
and 900 students when fully phased in by 2021. The school is free of charge.
The following schools and kindergartens are known by the Protocol Department:
In Copenhagen Municipality
Amager’s International School
Engvej 141
2300 København S
Tel.: +45 3258 7242
Fax: +45 3284 7242
Web: www.a-i-s.dk
Puljebørnehaven på Nørrebro
(Kindergarten) (Arabic/Somalian)
Rådmandsgade 58
2200 København N
Tel.: 35 85 27 35
Web: www.boernehaven-
sanna.dk
Email:
boernehavensanna@mail.dk
Bjørn’s International School
Gartnerivej 5
2100 København Ø
Tel.: +45 3929 2937
Fax: +45 3918 3842
Web: www.b-i-s.dk
Email: kontoret@b-i-s.dk
Copenhagen International School
Levantkaj 4-14
2150 København Ø
Tel.: 39 46 33 00
Fax: 39 61 22 30
Web: www.cis-edu.dk
Email: ci[email protected]
Montessori International Preschool
Maglekildevej 8, 1853
Frederiksberg C
Tel.: +45 3511 4911
Web:
http://montessoripreschool.dk/
Email:
frederiksberg@montessoripreschool.dk
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Sankt Petri Skole (German)
Larslejstræde 5
1451 København K
Tel.: 3313 0462
Fax: 3314 2462
Web: www.sanktpetriskole.dk
Email:
kontor@adm.sanktpetriskole.dk
Copenhagen City School
(English/Danish)
Gl. Kongevej 15C
1610 Copenhagen V
Tel.: +45 3325 2248
Fax: +45 3325 2249
Web:
http://cityschool.skoleporten.dk/sp
Email: info@cityschool.dk
Prins Henriks Skole (French)
Frederiksberg Allé 22A
1820 Frederiksberg C
Tel.: 33 55 00 64
Fax: 33 21 23 80
Web: www.lfph.dk
Email: i[email protected]
Valby Preschool
Søndermarksvej 13
2500 Valby
Tel: +45 3511 4911
Email: info@montessoripreschool.dk
Web:
http://montessoripreschool.dk/
The European School
Copenhagen
Blommehaven 10,
2500 Valby
Tel: 6136 5619
Web: www.europaskolen.sag.dk
Email: ad[email protected]k.dk
Institut Sankt Joseph
(Danish/English)
Dag Hammerskjolds Alle 17
2100 Ø
Tel: 3538 4735
Web: www.sanktjoseph.dk
Email: isj@sanktjoseph.dk
In Gentofte Municipality
Rygaards Skole (Catholic),
Int.Dept.
Bernstorffsvej 54
2900 Hellerup
Tel.: +45 3962 1053
Fax: +45 3962 1081
Web: www.rygaards.com
Email: admin@rygaards.com
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International baccalaureate
At the following schools students may prepare themselves for the International Baccalaureate
(IB):
Hellerup Montessori Kindergarten
Rygaards Allé 57
2900 Hellerup
Tel.: 39 62 40 43
(Only children in the municipality
of Gentofte)
Web:
http://www.hellerupmontessori.d
k/
The Little Montessori School
Lundtoftevej 97
2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Tel.: +45 4593 5295
Fax: +45 4593 5295
Email:
littlemontessorischool@mail.dk
International School of Hellerup
Rygaards Allé 131
2900 Hellerup
Tel: 7020 6368
Web: http://ish.dk/
Email: admissions@ish.dk
info@ish.dk
Bernadotteskolen
Hellerupvej 11
2900 Hellerup
Tel.: +45 3962 1215
Web:
https://bernadotteskolen.dk
Email (English section):
tlh@bernadotteskolen.dk
In Roskilde Municipality
Skt. Josef’s International School
Frederiksborgvej 10
4000 Roskilde
Tel.: +45 4635 2526
Web: https://sktjosef.com/
Ms Rikke Holm, Admissions
Tel.: +45 4630 4605
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Birkerød Gymnasium og HF
(partly boarding school)
Søndervangen 56
3460 Birkerød
Tel.: 45 16 82 20
Fax: 45 82 02 57
Web: www.birke-gym.dk
Email: mail@birke-gym.dk
Herlufsholm Skole og Gods
(partly boarding school)
Herlufsholm Allé 170
4700 Næstved
Tel.: +45 5575 3500
Fax: +45 5575 3514
Web: www.herlufsholm.dk
Email:
rektorkontor@herlufsholm.dk
Copenhagen International School
(English)
Levantkaj 4-14
2150 Nordhavn (Copenhagen)
Tel.: 39 46 33 00
Fax: 39 61 22 30
Web: www.cis.dk
Email: ci[email protected]
Nørre Gymnasium
Mørkhøjvej 78
2700 Brønshøj (Copenhagen)
Tel.: +45 4494 2722
Fax: +45 4494 2669
Web: www.norreg.dk
Email: n[email protected]
More information about international schools:
https://www.workindenmark.dk/Moving-to-DK/Bring-your-family/School-and-Education
18.3 Universities
There are general and specific admission requirements for foreign students. For the University
of Copenhagen, information can be obtained from:
Study Division
University of Copenhagen
Fiolstræde 1
1171 København K
Tel.: +45 3532 2929
Fax: +45 3532 2892
Web: www.ku.dk/english/
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18.4 Danish language courses
There are several institutions offering Danish language courses, which can be found through
the search engine at the link below to the website of the Ministry of Education. Currently, this
search engine only exists in Danish, cf.
https://www.uvm.dk/institutioner-og-drift/institutionsregisteret
An overview of the language courses offered in Denmark can also be found at the link below:
https://statistik.uni-c.dk/instregvisning/Liste.aspx?InstType=1052
More information can be obtained from:
The Ministry of Education
Frederiksholms Kanal 21
DK-1220 Copenhagen K
Tel.: +45 3392 5000
Fax: +45 3392 5567
19. Firearms License, Game License and Angling License
19.1 Firearms license
19.1.1 Firearms licence for the personal protection of privileged persons
The Copenhagen Police (Københavns Politi) issues firearms licences for the personal protection
of privileged persons in Denmark.
The licence is issued for weapons meant for the owner’s personal protection, and one firearms
licence is issued for a handgun (pistol/revolver). Only one licence per person. No licence will be
issued for automatic weapons.
There is no fee in connection with the issue of the firearms licence.
Applications for a firearms licence must contain personal information about the applicant as
well as specifications for the firearms for which the applicant applies. The application must be
endorsed by the Head of Mission and sent to:
Københavns Politi
Operativ Planlægning & Analyse
Politigården
1567 København V
Tel.: +45 3314 1448, ext. 2540
Fax: +45 3343 0060
Copy of both sides of the applicant’s Danish diplomatic ID card or residence permit card, copy
of the page showing name and photo from the applicant’s passport as well as the page with
the Danish visa must be enclosed with the application.
The application may be obtained from the above address.
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19.1.2 Firearms licence for staff at embassies
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) issues firearms licences to staff at Foreign
Embassies in Denmark based on a security need.
PET may issue firearms licences for small arms – with the exception of machine pistols, fully
automatic rifles and machine guns – and ammunition for such arms to staff at Foreign
Embassies in Denmark. The licence can only be issued to a natural person.
Embassies that wish to apply for firearms licences for its members of staff based on a security
need may approach the embassy's contact person in PET, who will hand out the application
form and provide guidance. Under Section 6 b of the Danish Weapons and Explosives Act, the
submission of an application for a firearms licence is subject to a fee.
Firearms licences remain valid for a period of two years, cf. Section 6 d (1) of the Danish
Weapons and Explosives Act. The certificate can be renewed upon application.
The licence is subject to the condition that the weapon may not be stored or carried outside
the extraterritorial area. Carrying the weapon outside the extraterritorial area is, however,
permitted in connection with entry into and departure from Denmark.
Furthermore, it will be possible to apply for special permission to carry and use the weapon
outside the extraterritorial area for the purpose of training at a shooting range.
The licence is personal, and the holder of the licence must always carry the certificate together
with the weapon. Upon termination of the holder’s functions with the Mission, the licence must
be returned to PET.
Permission to buy weapons or ammunition in Denmark is also obtained from PET. The dealer
will return the used permission to the PET.
If a Mission wishes to import or export firearms or ammunition, a request for a permission
must be sent to the Ministry of Justice, att. Politikontoret, and the import/export permit must
be produced at customs.
19.1.3 Firearms licence for hunting
Applications for firearms licences for purposes such as hunting will be processed by the police
district in which the applicant is domiciled, cf.
https://www.politi.dk/da/borgerservice/vaabentilladelse/
You are only allowed to possess barrelled weapons if you have a game licence.
19.2 Danish temporary game licence
Under the Hunting and Wildlife Administration Act, first-time applicants for a Danish game
licence must pass a test. Generally, persons residing abroad (e.g. tourists) can obtain a
temporary game licence without passing the test in Denmark, provided they have a valid game
licence issued in their country of residence. This facility has been extended to diplomats and to
members of administrative and technical staff of the embassies, provided they are not citizens
or permanent residents of Denmark.
A temporary game licence may be obtained on the web on
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http://www.naturstyrelsen.dk/International/English/Topics/Hunting/
Inquiries should be addressed to
Styrelsen for Vand-og Naturforvaltning
Jagttegnsadministrationen
Haraldsgade 53, 1
2100 Købehavn Ø
Tel.: +45 7254 2000 (hours 9:00 - 12:00)
Email: jagtt[email protected]
Web: http://eng.mst.dk/
First-time applicants must enclose a copy of their passport, documentation of their connection
to an embassy, valid game licence issued in their country of residence and documentation if
they are entitled to hunt with sporting rifles.
Applicants who have earlier had a temporary Danish game licence only need to enclose a copy
of their passport and documentation of their connection to an embassy.
A fee must be paid for a game licence. The temporary game licence is valid with a receipt
stamp from a post office or a bank. A game licence comprises a third party liability insurance
for accidents in connection with shooting caused by the person in whose name the game
licence has been issued. Applicants should allow the Danish Forest and Nature Agency 3 weeks
for processing a game licence.
A temporary Danish game licence is valid for a period of one year from 1 April - 31 March.
19.3 Angling licence
Everyone between the ages of 18 and 65 angling in Denmark must hold a valid angling licence.
Angling is fishing using light hand tackle. Fishing in trout lakes, called “put and take”, does not
normally require an angling license, but a pass, which can be purchased on the site.
The system is described on the following English web address:
https://www.fisketegn.dk/fisketegn/common/setLocale.do?language=en
The angling licence may be obtained on the following English web address:
https://www.fisketegn.dk/fisketegn/common/setupAnglerFisherType.do
Many campsites, fishing tackle dealers and vacation home rental agencies also sell angling
licences.
Your angling licence is personal and you must carry your fishing number or receipt for
payment while fishing together with personal identification. The income from angling licences
is used to care for fish stocks.
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20. Real property
20.1 Permissions to acquire real property
If Foreign Missions or privileged persons wish to acquire real property in Denmark, permission
must be obtained from the Department of Civil Affairs:
Department of Civil Affairs
Toldboden 2, 2nd floor
8800 Viborg
Tel.: +45 3392 3334
Email: civilstyrelsen@civilstyrelsen.dk
This also applies to owner-occupied flats (ejerlejligheder) and to flats where the tenant has
bought a share in the house (andelslejligheder).
Privileged persons who are EU citizens are not required to obtain permission if the real
estate/property is meant for year-round occupancy. The same applies to privileged persons
who are citizens in Nordic countries that are not members of the EU. However, it is
recommended to contact the Ministry of Justice before any acquisition is made.
The property should be registered as soon as possible and no later than six months from the
date of conveyance. The permission from the Ministry of Justice must be submitted to the
Register of Mortgages (Tinglysningsretten) when registering the deed. No permission is needed
when selling real property.
In addition to the permission from the Ministry of Justice, permission to use an existing
building whether owned or rented/leased for office purposes needs to be obtained from local
authorities (municipalities).
20.2 Local and national regulations regarding building projects
Before initiating a building project or repurposing an already existing building, it must first be
examined whether the local area of the embassy is regulated by local municipal planning
regulations or a district plan. The district plans encompass provisions of what a given building
may be used for, the extent to which it is allowed to build on the plot or estate, architectural
requirements for the appearance of a given building, and which types of buildings and
enterprises are allowed to be located on the plot/estate.
If no such district plan or municipal planning regulation pertain to your local area, you will
have to follow the provisions issued respectively by the Planning Division of your local
municipality, the Act on Planning (in Danish: “Planloven" - LBK nr 287 af 16/04/2018), and the
Act on Building (in Danish: “Byggeloven” - LBK nr. 1178 af 23/09/2016).
Municipalities are prepared to provide guidance on general and local regulations and
ordinances regarding zoning, usages, etc.
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20.3 Registration duties
Foreign States are exempt from registration fee on documents by means of which the Foreign
State acquires or rents real property for office use or for residences for its staff. When buying
real property, normal registration fees will have to be paid and an application for
reimbursement should be sent to:
Skattecenter Høje-Taastrup
Helgeshøj Allé 9
2630 Taastrup
Tel.: +45 7222 1818
Web: www.skat.dk
20.4 Taxation of real property
According to the Vienna Convention, Article 23, paragraph 1, the sending State and the head
of the Mission shall be exempt from all national, regional or municipal dues and taxes in
respect of the premises of the Mission, whether owned or leased, other than such as represent
payment for specific services rendered.
21. Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup
21.1 Access to the Airport
Mission staff holding red or green ID cards issued by the Protocol Department may enter the
transit and luggage area of Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup, to meet or to see off passengers.
Mission staff members holding a white ID card issued by the Protocol Department may obtain
an airport pass for access to the transit and luggage area. Before doing so the Mission should
be registered as a company in the airport data base, cf. https://cphprod.service-
now.com/cphnow The Mission should have a person responsible for airport passes and that
person should handle the applications for airport passes. Such applications should be sent to
Københavns Lufthavne A/S
Box 74
Att. ID-kort Kontoret
Lufthavnsboulevarden 6
2770 Kastrup
More information may be obtained by contacting the ID card office, tel. +45 3231 2317.
21.2 Royal Lounge
The Royal Lounge is reserved for the use of the Royal Family. Its use by Diplomatic Missions is
restricted and subject to the following conditions:
Provided the Royal Lounge is available, the Protocol Department may facilitate the use of it in
connection with the arrival, departure or transit of:
Foreign Royalty
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Heads of State
Heads of Government
Ministers for Foreign Affairs and
Presidents/Speakers of Parliament
The Royal Lounge may only be used by other visiting Cabinet Ministers provided a Danish
Cabinet Minister is present.
All requests for the use of the Royal Lounge must be directed and facilitated through the
Protocol Department.
Any catering services wished for in the Royal Lounge must be arranged through email
In order to cover the expenses of manning the Royal Lounge, VIP administration, marshalling
of cars, cleaning, etc. Copenhagen Airports CPH has a VIP charge.
21.4 CD Parking
CD cars on blue plates may be parked for up to 75 minutes at the CD parking (free of charge)
at the parking space east of terminal 3, referred to as P-8. For parking up to max. 4 hours in
the car park buildings/areas, each Mission may obtain one personnel card (personalekort) free
of charge from:
VIP coordinator
Tel.: +45 2228 7065
Email: VIP@cph.dk
Additional cards can be purchased at:
Lufthavnsparkeringen
Københavns Lufthavne A/S
2770 Kastrup
Tel.: +45 3252 8300
Fax: +45 3251 7879
Web: www.cph.dk
CPH Parking
Københavns Lufthavne A/S
2770 Kastrup
Tel: +45 32 31 32 31
Email: Casper.rasmusse[email protected]
It should be noted that parking for more than 4 hours at the airport must be paid on general
conditions.
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22. Elections
Diplomatic Missions may open polling stations for elections in their home country at the
premises of their Missions without special authorisation.
If it is deemed necessary to open such polling stations outside the premises of the Embassy,
such as school buildings, a formal request should be addressed to the Protocol Department.
The opening of such polling stations will normally not give rise to objections on the part of the
Danish Authorities. If Embassies need assistance or guidance from the Ministry of Economic
Affairs and the Interior in connection with general questions regarding elections, the person to
approach is Election Advisor Christine Boeskov (telephone no. +45 25 16 12 06).
Regarding information to voters through radio, television and press the Embassy is requested
to approach these institutions directly.
Concerning election posters the Embassy’s attention is drawn to the Ministry of Justice’s Order
No. 645 of 12 October 1989 as amended by No. 828 of 25 November 1998.
The Ministry advises the Embassy to inform the Danish Security and Intelligence Service in
advance about the time and place of the planned polling stations:
Politiets Efterretningstjeneste
Klausdalsbrovej 1
2860 Søborg
Tlf. +45 3827 8888
Email: g[email protected]
23. Emergencies
Call 112 if you need urgent medical assistance in the event of acute life threatening illness or
injury or if you need the fire brigade or the police.
By dialling 114 you will be connected to the nearest police station.
Call 1813 if you need help in the event of injury or a sudden illness. You can also dial 1813
when you are in doubt about what to do. You must call 1813 for advice; you cannot just go
to the regional emergency departments.
Telephone calls to 112 and 1813 are answered by the regional Emergency Centre, which is
responsible for providing proper assistance. For example, the Emergency Centre is able to
send an ambulance, refer you to a hospital emergency department or send a physician to your
home.
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You can receive treatment in five regional emergency departments 24 hours a day. Please dial
1813 in advance. There are emergency departments at e.g. Bispebjerg, Herlev and Hvidovre
hospitals, the North Zealand Hospital Hillerød as well as the Hospital of Bornholm.
You can receive treatment for sudden illnesses and minor injuries at six urgent care centres
from 7 AM to 10 PM. Please dial 1813 in advance.
You can receive urgent help in psychiatric acute admissions/centres. Dial 1813 if you are in
doubt. Psychiatric admissions in Ballerup, Glostrup, Hvidovre, Nordsjælland and Copenhagen
are open 24 hours a day, while psychiatric admissions in Amager and Frederiksberg are open
between 8 AM and 10 PM.
Dial 1813 if you have suffered broken teeth or suffer from toothache outside of your dentist’s
surgery hours.
Download the free app ”Akuthjælp” in App Store or Google Play and look up addresses and
opening hours for emergency admissions, emergency dentist etc.
You can get more information:
https://www.regionh.dk/english/Healthcare-Services/Emergency-Medical-
Services/Pages/Medical-Helpline-1813.aspx
24. Travel to the Faroe Islands and Greenland
The following procedures should be observed regarding visits to Greenland and the Faroe
Islands by diplomatic agents, as defined in Article 1, (e) of the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations:
Visa
Diplomatic agents from states whose citizens may enter Denmark without a visa may also
travel to Greenland and the Faroe Islands without a special visa.
Diplomatic agents from States whose citizens need visa to enter Denmark must obtain a
special visa for travel to Greenland and the Faroe Islands. This special visa will be issued by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Protocol Department, on the basis of a note verbale.
Notification of the Protocol Department
No matter if special visas are required or not, all Diplomatic Missions and International
Organisations must notify the Protocol Department of any planned visits by diplomatic agents
to Greenland and the Faroe Islands by a note verbale minimum 3 weeks in advance of the
planned visits (except purely private visits). In the note verbale the destination and duration of
the stay must be stated.
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25. Rules for flying flags
The Danish flag is called Dannebrog and, according to legend, dates back to 15 June 1219. The
Faroe Islands and Greenland have their own flags.
In general, it is not permitted to fly Foreign flags in Denmark except for the flags of the Nordic
countries, the UN flag and the EU flag. However, national flags can be flown at the chancellery
of a Diplomatic Mission, at the residence of the Head of Mission and on the Mission’s or Head of
Mission’s official car.
For more information: http://www.justitsministeriet.dk/arbejdsomraader/flagning/flagning-i-
danmark (In Danish only).
26. Information on Danish/EU rules and regulations
Legal information (Retsinformation) https://www.retsinformation.dk/ is the official on-line legal
information system of the Danish State. The system contains all Danish rules and regulations,
i.e. all acts passed by the Danish parliament (Folketinget) as well as executive orders, circulars
etc. issued by the administration.
Further legal information can also be found on the Danish parliament’s webpage: http://ft.dk/
Concerning EU-law, information can be found: https://eur-
lex.europa.eu/homepage.html?locale=da
Information about the Schengen rules and visa requirements and procedures for foreign
nationals wishing to visit Denmark can be found here: https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB
27. Pets
Rules regarding the importation of pet animals are laid down in EU Regulation 576/2013 of 12
June 2013 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of
pet animals.
‘Pet animals’ mean animals of the species listed in Annex I to the Regulation, which are
accompanying their owners or a person responsible for such animals on behalf of the owner
during their movement, and which are not intended to be sold or transferred to another owner.
All current rules are explained on the homepage of the Danish Veterinary and Food
Administration: www.uk.foedevarestyrelsen.dk (English version). The Regional Control
Authorities must be contacted for personal calls. In the following a summary:
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27.1 Dogs and cats
According to the requirements of EU Regulation 576/2013 of 12 June 2013 on the animal
health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals, dogs and
cats may be brought into Denmark when accompanied by the owner or a person responsible
for such animals on behalf of the owner.
In general, dogs and cats must be identifiable by either a microchip of ISO standard or a
readable tattoo. Furthermore, they must be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the
recommendations of the manufacturing laboratory of the used vaccine. A health certificate is
required for this purpose.
If the dog or cat originates from a country not listed in Annex II to Regulation 576/2013 in
addition to the requirements mentioned above, a neutralising antibody titration at least equal
to 0,5 IU/ml carried out on a sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after
vaccination and three months before entering Denmark.
Forms for the above-mentioned health certificate can be downloaded from the homepage of
the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.
Dogs and cats less than three months old may be imported without rabies vaccination but with
proper ID and health certificate and only upon receiving an import permit.
In Denmark, it is required by law to have a dog liability insurance. The insurance covers if a
dog does damage to people outside the owner’s household or to their belongings. The
insurance may be purchased from most Danish insurance companies.
Please observe that according to Danish law, the ownership and breeding of some specified
dog breeds are prohibited, cf.
http://www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk/english/ImportExport/Travelling_with_pet_animals/Pages/T
he-Danish-dog-legislation.aspx
27.2 Other pets (Washington Convention/CITES)
Entry of other pets is generally subject to permission granted by the Veterinary and Food
Administration. This concerns all birds, pigeons, rabbits, hares, chinchillas, minks, horses etc.
Application for permission to import such animals must state the address in Denmark for
approval for private quarantine.
There are no restrictions on the import of certain aquarium fish, hamsters and guinea pigs, but
several exotic animals such as parrots, some other bird species, tortoises, turtles, snakes and
other reptiles may be covered by provisions governing endangered species. It is recommended
in such cases to contact the Danish Nature Agency:
Naturstyrelsen
Gjøddinggård, Førstballevej 2
7183 Randbøl
Tel.: +45 7254 3000
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Web: http://mst.dk/natur-vand/natur/international-naturbeskyttelse/handel-med-
truede-arter/dyr-og-planter-omfattet-af-cites/
Email: [email protected]
28. Visits to Museums
Certain museums in Copenhagen and surroundings grant free entry for diplomats and their
spouses upon presentation of the red ID card or the diplomatic Residence Card.
A guide to museums in Copenhagen and the Copenhagen area may be found:
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/sightseeing/cool-art-museums-copenhagen
29. Trains and busses
Passengers on the S-tog and the Metro are obliged to have valid tickets before entering a
train.
Please check http://www.rejsekort.dk/?sc_lang=en for the introduction of Rejsekortet.
It is possible to get an anonymous Rejsekort at Københavns Hovedbanegaard or at
Copenhagen Airport. Please check: https://www.rejsekort.dk/koeb-rejsekort/sammenlign-
rejsekort/rejsekort-anonymt.aspx?sc_lang=en
For more information about public transportation in Denmark:
http://www.moviatrafik.dk/dinrejse/rejsekort/Pages/rejsekort.aspx?accept-cookies=1
In greater Copenhagen inspectors carry out random checks on trains, including the Metro, and
buses to make sure passengers are holding a valid ticket. Passengers not holding a valid ticket
must pay a surcharge for the ticket of DKK 750, cf.
https://www.dsb.dk/kundeservice/skriv-til-os/kontrolafgift/
The surcharge must also be paid by privileged persons.
30. Early history objects and natural history objects
If early history objects of gold, silver or other valuable metals or of other cultural value are
found in Denmark, and no one is proved to be the owner, the object is state property. Finders
of such objects must deliver the objects to the National Museum of Denmark, cf.
http://natmus.dk/salg-og-ydelser/museumsfaglige-ydelser/danefae/indlevering-af-danefae/
Remuneration will normally be given.
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Other natural history objects found in the earth such as rare fossils, animal skeletons, rare
minerals and meteorites should be offered to the State. The finding place should be noted, and
the nearest scientific museum should be contacted. If the State wishes to buy the objects, the
finder will receive remuneration.
31. Radio communication and radio and TV license
The Danish Energy Agency (Energistyrelsen) may authorise Diplomatic Missions to use radio
and satellite equipment for communication with their home country and with Missions in other
countries.
Radio equipment which complies with the requirements in Executive Order No 459 of 23 May
2012 on Frequency Use without License and on Amateur Radio Examinations and Call Signs
etc. may be used without a license.
Other radio equipment may be subject to licensing according to Executive Order No 999 of 15
October 2012 on Frequency Use with License.
Application for a frequency license should be sent to:
Energistyrelsen
Carsten Niebuhrs Gade
1577 København V
Tel: +45 3392 6700
Mail: [email protected]
Web: http://ens.dk/
You may read more about obtaining a frequency license on
https://ens.dk/ansvarsomraader/frekvenser/ansoeg-om-tilladelse-og-kaldesignal/ansoeg-om-
frekvenstilladelse
According to the Radio and TV Licenses Act article 12 Diplomatic Missions and their privileged
staff members are exempt from paying license fees for Danish radio and television broadcasts.
Foreign staff members employed by an International Organization with a host agreement
between Denmark and the international organization are also exempt from paying the license
fees for Danish radio and television broadcasts.
It is a condition for the exemption that the privileged person is not registered in the Danish
Civil registration system/CPR with a resident CPR-number.
DR Licens can request documentation for citizenship and terms of employment.
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32. NemID
Individuals working and living in Denmark often need a NemID. NemID is a common online
login to access public and private self-service solutions, e.g. Digital Post, online banking or the
Danish Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT).
Diplomats may apply for a NemID by visiting a citizen service centre (Borgerservice) in the
municipality where he/she lives and bring a witness.
When ordering NemID at a citizen service centre the applicant must:
Bring a valid photo ID and an identification document containing the assigned
administrative social security number. Please contact a citizen service centre in case of
questions in regards to legitimation.
The individual must also bring a witness, who can attest to the identity of the
individual. The witness will need to sign a sworn statement with his or her own personal
NemID, or in writing - in case the witness does not own a NemID.
Below are the listed requirements for the witness:
The witness must have reached the age of 18, be able to meet the general ID
requirements and sign a sworn statement.
We recommend that the witness brings his or her own personal NemID, as it is possible
to sign the sworn statement with NemID.
The witness must have had NemID with Digital Signature for a minimum of 30 days.
The witness can only be a witness for three (3) times within 120 days.
As the issued NemID is referring to an administrative social security number (administrative
CPR number), it will have limited use in comparison with a NemID referring to a regular social
security number (CPR number).
Further information about NemID: https://www.nemid.nu/dk-en/
33. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Protocol Department, processes personal data regarding
privileged persons and other staff working for other countries’ Missions accredited to Denmark
and international organizations residing in Denmark. The Protocol Department also processes
personal data regarding candidates in the process of being appointed as honorary consuls in
Denmark.
You can read about how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes personal data in the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs’ Privacy Notice:
English version
Danish version
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Here you can find:
The General Data Protection Regulation, and
The Danish Data Protection Act (in Danish)
34. Updates
For easy reference, please find below the dates and main content of the latest updates of the
current document:
Chapter 17.1. – Parking in Central Copenhagen and the so-called bridge districts (04.01.2021)
Chapter 1.3. – Members of the administrative and technical staff of the Mission (26.03.2021)
Chapter 23. – Emergencies (112 app) (26.03.2021)
Chapter 17.3. – Parking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Chapter 12.1 – Duty free imports (23.03.2022)
Chapter 21.1 – Access to the Airport (18.03.2022)
Chapter 12.1 – Duty free imports (23.03.2022)
Chapter 17.1-17.2 – Parking in Central Copenhagen and the so-called bridge districts –
Reserved parking at Diplomatic Missions (11.05.2022)
Chapter 21.4 – CD Parking (24.05.2022)
Chapter 34 – Updates
